News of the low-barrier, 24/7 homelessness resource center planned for downtown Fort Wayne has been circulating throughout our fine city. The stories, questions, and concerns have recently increased as a city councilman voiced some concerns. When Downtown Fort Wayne released their concerns inviting the city to pump the brakes, more rumors, questions and concerns have risen.

As the most direct neighbor to the proposed location, I have been able to meet with officials from the city on multiple occassions to hear about the proposal, ask questions, and have my concerns addressed. After these meetings, I am lending my support to this project.

Some expressing concern have implied that this proposed center is inviting a “problem” into the area. I would invite those folks to come spend just 45-minutes with me at 300 E. Wayne Street as they will quickly see that this is actually a response to an existing issue, not the creation of a new one. Also, let us remember that this “problem” is someone’s son, daughter, brother, sister, friend, our neighbor.

I would also like to remind folks who are saying this location will prevent development that it is right across the street from the Rescue Mission. It’s not like they are proposing to put this next to the development near the riverfront. It’s across the street from existing homeless services and less than a block from a low to no income healthcare facility (Matthew 25).

If we wait for the ideal location, we will never make progress. There will never be a “perfect” location for this type of facility. But, placing it in an area that is already serving this population makes sense.

With this blog, I’m including two statements I prepared to express my support this cause. For those who don’t want to read through the message, here’s the short answer. I’m supporting this project because I am committed to following in the way of Jesus (you know, the One who made time and space for the hungry, sick, thirsty, isolated, lonely, disturbed, unsheltered, outcasts, marginalized and vulnerable).

Here’s a letter of support I wrote:

To Whom It May Concern,

As the Lead Pastor of First Wayne Street United Methodist Church in downtown Fort Wayne, I write to offer my support for the proposed low-barrier, 24/7 resource center for our unhoused neighbors.

For years, our congregation has been deeply engaged in ministry alongside individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, and addiction. We regularly encounter neighbors who, for one reason or another, are unable to access existing shelters or service agencies. Some are turned away due to capacity limits. Others do not meet intake requirements. Still others struggle with mental health or substance use challenges that make participation in structured programs difficult.

At present, we have no consistent place to refer these individuals, especially outside of standard business hours. A 24/7, low-barrier facility would provide an essential referral option, ensuring that when someone shows up at our doors, we are not left with no safe alternative to offer. The ability to connect people to care immediately would be a tremendous asset to both churches and community partners.

We also recognize that a facility of this nature may draw individuals who are actively struggling with addiction or untreated mental health challenges. As a downtown congregation with children, youth, and elderly adults regularly participating in worship services, recovery groups, and community programming, we take safety concerns seriously. Increased presence and security are important considerations, and we are grateful that the proposed plan includes monitoring and oversight of the property. Knowing that the facility will have structured supervision, clear policies, and coordination with community partners helps alleviate many of our primary concerns as a direct neighbor.

At the same time, we must be honest: the need for this center outweighs the concerns.

Every day, we see the human cost of inadequate access to shelter and resources. We see neighbors sleeping in unsafe places. We see people cycling through emergency rooms, jails, and temporary solutions. We see the exhaustion of those trying to navigate a system that often feels inaccessible or overwhelming. A 24/7 resource center represents a practical and compassionate step toward stability, coordination, and dignity.

As a congregation rooted in the Wesleyan tradition, responding to the needs of our marginalized and vulnerable neighbors is not optional. It is central to our calling. While we will be direct neighbors, sharing the same city block, taking a “not in my backyard” approach is not consistent with our faith or our mission. We believe that communities are strengthened when we invest in thoughtful, well-managed solutions that care for those on the margins.

This proposed center is not a cure-all. But it is a hopeful step forward. It signals that our city is willing to acknowledge the growing need and respond with intentionality and compassion. With clear collaboration, responsible oversight, and ongoing communication, we believe this facility can become a stabilizing presence that benefits both its participants and the broader downtown community.

Thank you for your leadership and for your willingness to address complex challenges with courage and vision. First Wayne Street United Methodist Church stands ready to continue partnering in efforts that reflect the best of who we are as a city…compassionate, collaborative, and committed to the dignity of every person.

Here’s a brief statement I wrote for a local news outlet:

This is a defining moment for Fort Wayne and we need to be honest about what’s at stake.

Right now, people in our community are suffering in plain sight. They are sleeping outside, being turned away from shelters, cycling through systems that were never designed to truly help them and too often, we’ve learned to look the other way. That is not just unfortunate. It is unacceptable.

Let’s be clear: the real crisis is not this facility. The real crisis is our willingness to tolerate human beings living and dying without dignity.

A 24/7, low-barrier resource center is not some extreme idea. It is the bare minimum of what compassion requires. If we find ourselves more concerned about inconvenience than we are about human life, then we have lost our moral compass.

As a church, we reject the idea that faith means staying comfortable while others suffer. That is not the way of Jesus. We are called to show up, to stand with those on the margins, and to build a community where no one is disposable.

So yes, there are concerns, but there is also a deeper question: who are we going to be?

This is our moment to choose courage over fear, compassion over apathy, and dignity over neglect. And we should not hesitate.