Joplin homeless shelter raising funds for expansion - KOAM TV 7

Joplin homeless shelter raising funds for expansion

A Joplin homeless shelter looks to expand their facilities however they need our help before getting the project started.

Operating at full capacity is something Watered Gardens Gospel Rescue Mission volunteers and employees say they had never dreamed of.

With plans to expand the facility, the Mission is collecting donations and selling homemade products, made by the residents.

Danny Lindsey has been suffering from clinical depression and decided to move to Joplin for a fresh start.  He says Watered Gardens has been a big help for him.

"They've took me in and given me a place to stay and a place to eat and really good advice," Lindsey says.  "It's a wonderful place for people who really know how to take advantage of it."

The facility officials give residents the chance to work for the products they need in its Worth Shop, giving them a hand up, rather than just a hand out.

The shop, kitchen, dining room and furniture bank would be a part of the expansion.

Watered Gardens just started selling parachute cord bracelets.  If you buy one the proceeds go toward building the expansion.

"I think it'll be a great deal if they can get it done," Lindsey says.  "It'll provide more opportunities for them to be able to help more people."

With a goal of about $300,000 the Center is still short of $113,000 , money that has to be raised, by the end of May.

The facility will cost about $500,000 total.

"Even if we did not raise the funds we would continue to raise funds to do the project, the problem is we would lose about $30,000 of free labor from this group," says Watered Gardens Executive Director James Whitford.

The parachute cord bracelets are being sold at many businesses throughout Joplin.

To donate or for more information visit http://wateredgardens.org/.