Redevelopment Inspires Community Renewal

by Ingram's Staff

In a very roundabout way, a Liberty redevelopment project has inspired a promising new philanthropic enterprise called Freedom House.

In the way of background, real estate developers have been keen on redeveloping the Liberty Triangle for some time. The conveniently located 88 acres, which comprise the intersection of Highway 152, Highway 291 and Interstate 35, serve as an unofficial gateway to the city of Liberty and now has been cleared for commercial redevelopment.

This redevelopment means the end of the line for The Spirit of Liberty Building, which stands on Missouri 152. Talks are underway for its condemnation, demolition and eventual replacement by a Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and a Starbucks, businesses civic leaders believe will boost retail and tax revenue.

For more than 10 years, however, In As Much Ministry and Love INC called the Spirit of Liberty Building home. These charities enjoyed a special, rent-free agreement that supported their service to the community. In As Much Ministry assists needy families by distributing food and clothing. Its offices house pantries where volunteers sort goods and collect donations for additional family expenses such as rent and utilities.

Love INC provides emergency assistance to people in crisis, linking needy citizens with appropriate charities and ministries. Faced with a relocation that would incur considerable costs, likely more than they could finance on their own, these not-for-profits turned back to the community for assistance.

In the process, explains Dr. Christian Sizemore, former president of William Jewell College, Freedom House was born. “The Liberty Ministerial Alliance became interested in helping them,” he observed. “They soon realized that this was a bigger process than they had time for, and many in the business community decided to help them.”

Thanks to the work of Freedom House, both of these organizations already have reopened their doors, though they have parted ways temporarily. In As Much Ministry has moved to Liberty Springs Covenant Church and Love INC is housed at the Prudential Carter/Duffey Building.

A third ministry, Hillcrest, also has expressed a need for additional office space, and has become involved with Freedom House. “This a perfect fit for them,” says Freedom House Co-Chairman Charles Small, “Because they also provide housing to people who are in temporary need to help them get back on their feet.”

The charities hope to reunite soon in one structure. It is possible that the facility also could house other relevant enterprises that would want to relocate there, including both private and governmental industries. Freedom House leaders hope that, someday, ministries unable to afford current market rates could find a home at the Freedom House.

“The hope,” Small says, “is that the ministries will start up, and for minimal costs, be in a building with businesses that are conducive to their services.”

Possible tenants could include teen pregnancy, WIC, and housing and aging agencies. Sizemore comments, “We’ve talked with several other helping agencies that we’re trying to bring together.” In so doing, he hopes to “create a more efficient use of space, more efficient use of resources, and provide a one-stop shop for people who need help.”

The organizations will provide food, assistance for prescription drugs, children’s supplies, rent, utilities and Christmas gifts. It will be, Sizemore predicts, “a very comprehensive support network.”

The estimated two-acre property required has not yet been selected, though several properties have been offered. “We are still exploring possibilities for evaluating potential sites,” Small says. “If anybody has a gift of land or a potential site that would meet our needs, we would be happy to hear from them.” The building plan calls for approximately 10,000 square feet, which can accommodate expansion as other agencies move in. Small hopes the agency will be “up and running 18 to 36 months from now.”

The project is estimated to cost $2.3 million, which will need to be fully funded by private contributions. “We’ll begin the formal fundraising very soon,” Sizemore says. “We anticipate a positive response from the community.” Donations can be sent to Scott Page, treasurer, c/o Pony Express Bank, PO Box 1415, Liberty, MO, 64069.