WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today sent a collection of letters from Cape Girardeau County entities in opposition to the conversion of the Federal Courthouse on Broadway to a homeless shelter.

“Our local organizations have raised some important points, and I think they deserve to be heard by the decision-makers in this matter,” Emerson said.  “We need to continue the good work done by local organizations, ensure we are serving our neighbors in need to the best of our abilities, and find the best use for a very large building in the downtown area of Cape Girardeau.  I want to be sure the federal agencies in charge of the disposal of the Federal Building have as complete a picture as possible.”

Emerson sent the packet of correspondence to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Government Services Administration.  Each agency plays a role in the disposal process of any federal building which is requested for use as a homeless shelter.

“Personally, I oppose the conversion of the Federal Building into a homeless shelter because I think the building is too large for the purpose and ill-suited to be a shelter.  Without question, public service organizations in the county are working very hard to address the needs of the homeless.  Our local advocates for the homeless have been open and interested in a collaborative effort.  They truly have the best interests of our community at heart,” Emerson said.  “The opinions of our local service organizations carry great weight with me, and I am asking the appropriate federal agencies to listen carefully to the arguments on both sides of this issue.”