Homeless needs being addressed

Now that the federal government has turned down a proposal by the Rev. Larry Rice to turn the old federal building on Broadway into a homeless shelter, what next?

First, as a result of the Rice request and the discussion it generated in the community, Cape Girardeau has a better idea of what is being done to meet the needs of the homeless, especially those who are passing through the city on their way to other destinations. Could the community do more? It is looking at the unmet needs of individuals who are longer-term residents seeking to transition from being homeless to having a place to live and a job.

Second, Cape Girardeau County officials are still considering the old federal building to house some county offices and courtrooms. That is a process that will weigh the benefits involved in making such an investment.

Third, the federal government has, under its own guidelines, decided that the old federal building is unsuitable for the many federal agencies in Cape Girardeau that are being housed in leased space outside the new Rush H. Limbaugh U.S. Courthouse on Independence Street. It's too bad these guidelines don't include the possibility of using at least some of the space in the old building for federal offices.

Fourth, Rice has threatened -- as he has done elsewhere -- to sue the federal government in an attempt to get it to reverse its decision. Such an action might stall plans for any other use of the building. And a lawsuit would create expenses for Rice that would divert funds from caring for the homeless at other shelters operated by the Rice organization. This doesn't make much sense for an organization that frequently uses its broadcast outlets to urgently appeal for donations to stay on the air.

Most everyone locally involved in homeless issues agrees there is more that can be done. Again and again, a cooperative approach has been shown to produce positive results.