watered gardens shelter

The need for additional emergency shelter in Joplin is of immediate importance.

Research presented in Joplin’s homeless plan, “Headed for Home” in September of 2009 presents an average unmet need of 80 beds to adequately provide shelter for those in need. Soon after that report, one of the shelters in town disbanded resulting in an immediate 33% increase in the need, leaving Joplin with only one emergency shelter. This is remarkably inadequate for our city.

Watered Gardens has been advancing toward meeting this need including discussions with city leadership, the “Headed for Home” implementation committee and other “sister” organizations. With sprinklers installed on all three floors of our building and an external fire escape constructed, we will literally be at the doorstep of offering initially 20 beds for shelter, which could be life saving measures for someone this winter. We look to double this number with an additional shower facility.

The construction bids are in and I am asking you for a donation toward this shelter in great hopes of opening before Christmas of this year. The need is $78,000. Please ask God what He would have you do to help us get there. And certainly call or contact us with any questions or for more detailed information on the project.

Thank you,
James Whitford

Update 12/22/10:  We have received committment for capital improvements!  Now, as construction begins, we look forward to sheltering people and impacting hearts with God’s message of love and life-change.  If you have yet to partner in this worthy endeavor, please prayerfully consider monthly financial committment as we currently lack in operating funds for this new shelter.  If we had 40 sponsors to sponsor 40 homeless at 100.00 per month, our operating expense increase will be met.  Thank you for considering.

07/26/11

The shelter has been running since April 1.  Thank you for your support.  There are still many ways to be involved.  We need breakfast teams, dinner crews, over-night monitors and financial support.  Contact us at 623-6030 for more information.   Thank you again for making this possible!

The Upper Room transformed into sleeping quarters every night!