Ribbon cutting set for new DAEOC resource center for the unsheltered

SIKESTON — Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation, or DAEOC, will have a ceremonial ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of its resource center for the unsheltered.

Set for 3:30 p.m. Nov. 25, the ceremony will be at West Kathleen Street in Sikeston.

DAEOC has operated a homeless shelter in southeast Missouri for over 40 years. Always full with a waiting list, the decision was made to build, according to DAEOC President and CEO Joel P. Evans.

Before construction could start, back-to-back flash flooding in 2023 forced the previous shelter to permanently close in October 2023. Work on the new facility began shortly thereafter. The completed shelter, now known as “neighbors,” includes eight single-room units and four two-bedroom units each with their own bath and kitchenette allowing families to remain together while the team of neighbors case managers helps them address their individual needs during their stay working toward housing and economic security, Evans said.

“This facility is much more than just a building—it’s a promise,” Evans said. “A promise of safety from the cold of winter, the sweltering heat of summer, and the uncertainty that so many face each night as they wonder where they will sleep.

He continued: “It’s a promise that we, as a community, will extend a helping hand to those in need. Neighbors is not just a shelter—it’s a symbol of our community’s compassion, resilience, and unity. It embodies the heart of Sikeston, where we believe in taking care of one another.”

DAEOC’s former homeless facility on Anderson Street in Sikeston had six small units where families could stay together while they worked toward a more secure future, Evans said.

“It was always full, and there was always a waiting list. For many, it was a lifeline,” he said.

In 2020, DAEOC approached the City of Sikeston about replacing the aging center.

“We are so grateful for the support we received,” Evans said. “The LCRA (Land Clearance Redevelopment Authority) stepped forward and offered this beautiful parcel of land, making the new facility possible and the City of Sikeston stepped forward to be the grantee for the project with DAEOC the subgrantee.”

But, Evans said, as with many projects, a lot happened between the 2020 application and today.

“Our old center was devastated by back-to-back flooding events, causing severe structural damage. The water also destroyed much of the facility’s appliances, furnishings and supplies leaving no choice but to close until the new center could be completed,” he said. “Skyrocketing post-COVID construction costs forced us to scale back our plans. As a result, we made the difficult decision to eliminate certain features, like an office annex, a community kitchen, and a multipurpose room, in order to preserve the most vital part of the project—the residential units,” Evans said. “With this adjustment, we were able to move forward. It would require that we finance about 11% of the total project cost.”

Now with the existing furnishing gone, DAEOC turned to the generosity of the community through the Adopt-a-Room program. Individuals, groups and organizations have the opportunity to donate $5,000 per room to prepare them for use. A plaque will be placed in each room to recognize the donors’ contributions.

“I’m especially proud to share that the staff at DAEOC, through their personal generosity, have already adopted the first room,” Evans said. “Today, there is still an opportunity to adopt a room, and as those gifts come in and the rooms prepared, we will begin to welcome families into their new spaces.”

During their stay—up to 90 days—residents will set goals and track their progress as they move toward a more secure future.

“For many of us, the reality of homelessness is something we’ve never experienced personally, and it can be difficult to fully understand,” Evans said. “When we think of homeless shelters, we often envision large dormitory-style spaces, where individuals are assigned a cot for the night, only to return to the streets the next day. But neighbors is different. This facility offers individuals and entire families a place to call their own—a space where they can work one-on-one with staff to address their immediate needs and develop a plan for achieving long-term housing stability.”

Evans commended many for their efforts in making the project a reality.

“To the local leaders who advocated for this facility and understood the urgent need, thank you for your vision and support,” Evans said. “To the donors, volunteers, and community organizations who have given their time, energy, and resources—your dedication has been truly inspiring. You have shown what can be accomplished when we work together.

He continued: “A special thank you to the staff and volunteers who will be working here at neighbors. Your compassion and commitment will change lives. You are offering not just shelter, but a sense of dignity, respect, and opportunity for individuals and families who need it most.”

DAEOC is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)3 Community Action Agency that facilitates over 50 programs designed to combat poverty in the 6 counties of the Missouri Bootheel.

Evans also had a special message for the residents who will walk through the doors of neighbors.

“I want to say this: neighbors is here for you,” Evans said. “This is not just a roof over your head—it’s a place where you will be given the support, care and respect that you deserve. Together, we will help you work toward a brighter future, one step at a time.”