Efforts to find a new community use for the space that formerly housed the Compassion Center at Second Presbyterian Church in downtown Bloomington are welcome

However, it is important the use be appropriate and sustainable.

The Compassion Center truly has been a success story and a community effort.

Second Presbyterian Church provided space in its basement for the homeless to not only find shelter during the day, but also gain access to services that would - hopefully - help them move forward to improve their lives and put a more permanent roof over the heads.

Union workers, including laborers, carpenters, electricians and plumbers, donated their services to convert the church basement into offices, a classroom, a laundry room, lounge and a restroom with showers. Businesses and individuals donated cubicles, office equipment, furniture, carpeting and a television.

Once the center opened in March 2004, volunteers helped with staffing. But there also were professional, paid staff from area agencies, providing mental health services, job placement assistance and preparation for high-school equivalency diplomas.

The center was always seen as a temporary project, bridging the gap until the Salvation Army's new Safe Harbor Shelter could be completed, replacing the old shelter that was not open during the day.

That new shelter opened May 8. Many of the services once provided at the Compassion Center have moved or are moving to the new Safe Harbor Shelter.

Among new uses that have been suggested for the Compassion Center space is a drop-in center for developmentally disabled adults.

Cuts in state funding for social service agencies has increased the need for a help center for adults with developmental disabilities, according to those who work with people who have such disabilities. However, those funding cuts also have complicated the matter.

Marcfirst, which had hoped to partner with a group called "Prayerie Light" in providing programs at the site, no longer has funding for the programs it had intended to offer.

Prayerie Light, a friendship and prayer group for developmentally delayed adults, still wants to have a drop-in center to provide a place to socialize and also give caregivers a respite.

However, it is questionable whether this can be accomlished long term with only volunteer help. Good intentions must be coupled with a facility that is safe, well-supervised and managed in the best interest of the users.

With all the volunteer efforts that went into developing the original Compassion Center and the continued willingness of Second Presbyterian Church to provide the space and cover utility costs, it is important to find a new community-oriented use for the property. Just be sure the plan is well thought out and workable.