Mission needs upgraded facility

Lampasas Mission was established as a multi-service organization to fill certain needs in the community and surrounding areas in the county. It is comprised of a group of dedicated people with multiple talents who work with our churches and benevolent organizations that are unable to supply needs of those destitute in a crisis or specific events at any given time.

Lampasas County is unique in that it has recently seen rapid population growth, as evidenced by Census figures revealing that it is one of the fastest-growing counties in the area. This is mainly because of proximity to Fort Hood, the largest military base in the world, and our involvement in Iraq. Many who have moved here frequently need help with food, paper goods, clothing, housing facilities, utilities and such, plus counseling and support in times of family crisis that are not always available in our community. This support is sometimes brief, and in some cases lengthy and expensive.

At this time, some 400 or more individuals and families are being served with essentials and the support of counseling from a small frame house (approximately 1,200 square feet). Because of the limited space, clients with children or elderly must wait outside to be served.

There is no space for refrigeration, bedding, clothing or small appliances that are often needed in time of crisis, emergencies or disasters. Extra storage must be rented, and is some distance away and not readily available. Local merchants and churches have been most cooperative in crises. These needs now are critical and anticipated to worsen as our county grows.

As a member of the board, in recent years it has become my privilege to explore for new or more adequate accommodations for the work of the mission. Plus, because of our population increase, real estate prices have risen dramatically. There are limited spaces that are suitable geographically for the clients to be served. Most city property that would be suitable and acceptable to our city regulations have escalated in price even 100 percent.

I feel that not only do we need more space to operate, but the element of time is of importance. The building we need must have appropriate, clean, insect free storage for food, counseling rooms, office space as well as customary amenities. Lampasas Mission is not asking for luxuries, just basic space to help really needy people.

The future needs of our county and the viability of this benevolent organization are really contingent on the location of a suitable and safe place to continue serving our less fortunate. This organization is vital to our community and serves in a compassionate Christian manner.

I have been in this community for 60 years. It has always been a hard-working, loving people with a helping hand for the less fortunate among us. Please keep this in your prayers and support.

Dr. M.K. Patteson Sr. (retired)