Oliver Gospel Mission helps men find their way
By Jackie Perrone jacper@juno.com

Wayne Field, executive director of Oliver Gospel Mission

A homeless which is clean and orderly?

A haven downtrodden men which looks good and offers hope?

A chance at educational boosts and employment for those who never had it before?

Oliver Gospel Mission has stood on the same corner in downtown Columbia for 120 years, but its days of shabby, dilapidated, cheerless routine are far behind it now. Those who have not taken a good look at the corner of Taylor and Assembly streets may not realize the transformation which has taken place, but the men who are served there do.

Wayne Fields is executive director of this venerable institution which reaches out to the homeless and the destitute. He is proud of the improvements which have been accomplished in the past five years.

"Our mission has not changed, but our approach and our capabilities have," he says. "We have created a clean and safe place where we provide hope for a segment of society that many have given up on.

"In 2007 we provided more than 25,000 nights of shelter, a 53 percent increase over the previous year; nearly 61,000 meals, 38 percent more; 930 counseling sessions, and a big increase in attendance at daily chapel services."

Oliver Gospel's Mission Statement: "To see that homeless and broken men are sheltered, given the gospel of Jesus Christ, and equipped to live responsibly."

The administrators feel this mission is being presented more effectively than ever before. The improvements in physical facilities have translated into better programs and a more inspiring attitude for all. The goal is for long- term and permanent change in men's lives, rather than a band- aid for the day.

Adjoining buildings have been incorporated into the overall facility, and entire space renovated. "Our buildings look good," says Fields, "and crime is down significantly in the neighborhood. The business community appreciates what we are doing."

Efforts to relocate this Mission have never been successful. Now the improvements to their original corner allow for better service for more men than ever before. The original 46 beds are enlarged to 90; the staff now numbers about 22.

"People respond to the quality of their surroundings," Fields believes. "We help them find their way back into responsible citizenship.

"Most of the people we serve are not here because of bad luck. Mostly, it is bad choices. They need help with responsibility and accountability, with learning to restore family relationships, with education and employment and financial stability. We are here to see it through. We stay the course."

With the guidance of its steering committee made up of church and business leaders from across the Midlands, Oliver Gospel Mission is holding a capital campaign for the additional funding needed to carry on their work.

Oliver Gospel Mission is funded through the generosity of individuals, businesses, and churches. No taxpayer money goes to this effort. "Columbia is a very generous and caring community," says the director. "They appreciate what we are doing here."