Highway 69 Mission, Lone Star Military Resource Group launch building fundraiser

JACKSONVILLE – A pair of non-profit groups that provides assistance to people in emergency situations are now seeking help from the public as they raise funds to secure the Jacksonville site they currently occupy.

According to Highway 69 Mission founder Billy Bateman, the owner of the 203 N. Jackson St. property is interested in selling the building and land, and the two organizations are hoping that during the next several months, they can raise $213,000.

“The last two years we’ve been raising funds to purchase the property, now he’s ready to sell,” he said. “If we can’t raise funds by January, then he will list the property.”

LSMRG recently located to the site, because the group had similar goals in offering people resources that would help them successfully reside in the county.

With the COVID-19 pandemic stretching into its 18th month soon, the Mission – which opened in 2018 – has been hit hard with fewer donations to help pay the bills to keep the site operating. A second-hand store on the lot provides some relief, but organizations that once gave more freely are hurting themselves and now support is waning.

“We have food, but we don’t exactly have funds to pay the bills,” said LSMRG coordinator Julianne Sanford said. “We are not getting enough help.”

But, the purchase of the building would help free up funds that go toward operating expenses, and “help secure the future of the Highway 69 Mission and the military resource group,” said Mission board vice president Brian Cromer. “We will have more resources to assist those in need if we retire the rent and or building note. We hope and pray that the community will come together and support this event.”

Bateman asks that people, organizations and churches consider contributing to the fundraiser, because the Mission often is the last resource for people with emergency needs or who are homeless.

“Both hospitals send people to us, the police and the sheriff’s department bring people to us,” Bateman said. “And we’re glad to help, but we cannot do this on our own.”

Both groups are 501c3 entities – the Mission is a faith-based effort – so all donations are tax deductible, the men said. “We hope and pray that the community will come together and support this event,” Cromer said. “We will be planning some events to raise money and we will accept donations for the building fund.”

In addition to a capital campaign to raise funds for purchase of the building, the trio also asked for residents to pray for the success of the ministry overall. “We believe in giving those in need a little help and telling them how much Jesus loves them. We have witnessed lives changed. We hope to get people back on their feet and help them develop a plan to help themselves,” Cromer said. “We believe in the power of prayer and ask you to join us in prayer for the Mission and the Military Resource Group.”

Donations designated for the building fund may be sent to 203 N. Jackson St., Jacksonville, TX 75766.