ONE-STOP CENTER SHOULD CUT DUPLICATION

Organizers are seeking a building for a community resource center on Cape Girardeau's South Side. The goal is to establish one-stop convenience for individuals seeking government, recreation and education services.

The Family Resource Center grew out of an effort by the Community Caring Council to consolidate services for families.

The not-for-profit agency is certainly proposing an effort with good intentions. But setting up a separate place for services in one area of town may do more to expand duplication of services than eliminate it.

South Side organizers say transportation to services, currently offered at various locations throughout the city, is the main problem. However, the county and city have a number of tax-supported transportation services, including discount taxi coupons in the city. These coupons don't sell out every month. And a number of transit services aid the elderly. Are these services being used to the fullest?

If establishing this one-stop center means that fewer government workers and less office space would be needed in other locations, then bring it on. But too often, all levels of government tend to grow instead of retract.

Another concern is the building itself. It takes money to heat and cool a facility -- especially an old one. That could be the major costs of running such a center.

Organizers have looked at the old St. Francis Hospital building at Pacific and Good Hope. But not too far away is the Salvation Army building, which is already open for a bevy of other activities. Perhaps conversations should focus on consolidating offerings at facilities already in operation.

Cape Girardeau residents are some of the most generous anywhere. People open their hearts and pocketbooks for hundreds of fund-raising efforts each year. But people also want to know that each good cause is really needed and doesn't duplicate any existing services.

A Family Resource Center sounds like a good idea. Let's make sure such a facility doesn't re-invent the wheel with additional costs for services in additional locations.