$50 Raised for COMEA Shelter

COMEA (Cooperative Ministry for Emergency Assistance) was born out of dire necessity back in 1965. During this time, many churches in the downtown area were finding themselves overwhelmed with transients sin need of assistance. The Church leaders eventually realized they were all helping the same individuals and quickly depleting their funds with emergency assistance rather than finding a solution to the problems.

September of 1982 an Advisory Council was developed and plans for a small emergency shelter were created. On December 2, 1982 COMEA opened its doors. It was sparingly furnished with a couple of dinette tables and a few chairs. Its purpose was simply to provide folks with a warm place to stay the night, get a cup of coffee and a light snack. Back then clients provided their own bedding and slept on the floor. The shelter had a shower, but, they had to have their own towel. Guests were allowed to stay for one night only unless referred by another agency requesting a longer stay.