wfn.org | Floridians defeat giant problems to build 'Larry's House'

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

June 10, 1998	Contact: Thomas S. McAnally*(615)742-5470*Nashville,
Tenn.       {358}

NOTE:  A photo is available with this story.

By United Methodist News Service

Just like the Biblical story of David and Goliath,  the "little guys" in
Hallandale, Fla., defeated powers and principalities to open a group
home here June 7 for individuals with developmental disabilities.

The dream began in 1984 when Florida pastor, the  Rev. Larry Purvis,
proposed building a home where disabled adults could live as
independently as possible, giving their parents a solution to the
dilemma of providing care for their adult children after their death.

The first significant step forward came in 1994 when the Hallandale
United Methodist Church donated a parcel of land next to the church.
Because the lot was zoned commercial, Wesley Group Home Ministries had
to request a variance from the city commission.  That's when the giants
began to appear.

City commissioners denied the request, buckling under from pressure  by
residents who said the home would lower property values, increase crime
rates and endanger their children. 

Wesley Ministries, under the leadership of June Johns,  was diverted
temporarily, but not defeated. They filed suit, charging the city with
violating fair housing laws.  A Broward County Circuit Court judge ruled
in favor of Wesley Ministries but by January 1995 the city had still not
granted the new zoning variance needed to begin construction.

Time was running out for Johns and her colleagues.  Wesley Ministries
had received more than $600,000 in grants from the Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD) - more than $300,000 to build the home and a
slightly larger amount to be distributed over a 20-year-period for
expenses such as insurance.  To receive the money, they had to take over
the property by October 1 of 1995.

The city commissioners, faced with the possibility of  $100,000 in
fines, finally granted the variance and construction began on the house
in the spring of 1997.

For Johns, it was a hollow victory.  "It took the pleasure out of the
excitement  because they were forced to do it," she said.  "We fought
city hall and won, but what they didn't know is that we had God on our
side.  That was the difference."

Although the battle with the city was over, the Wesley Ministries board
still had to meet HUD requirements that at times seemed impossible.  In
addition to their faith in God, Johns said she and the other Wesley
Ministries board members had a lot of determination.

She and most of the Wesley board members have family members with
disabilities.  Her 35-year-old son[, Mark Allen, has  developmental
disabilities and is living in a Lutheran group home with five other
people.

Leaders of the Wesley Ministries would like to see a home for adults
with disabilities in every district.  The home in Hallandale, which will
house six  residents, has been named "Larry's House," in honor of
Purvis .  The 3,000 square foot facility is the first of its kind to be
affiliated with the Florida United Methodist Annual Conference.

Wesley Group Home Ministries began as a ministry of Riverside United
Methodist Church in the church's Miami District.  In 1989 the West Palm
Beach District joined the Miami District in the effort.  Wesley
Ministries has been  authorized by the conference to receive Advance
Special mission support.  

Speaking at the dedication ceremony June 7 was Florida Bishop Cornelius
Henderson.  

  

United Methodist News Service
(615)742-5470
Releases and photos also available at
http://www.umc.org/umns/