On September 12, 2007, Larry Rice, President of the New Life Evangelistic Center (NLEC), Inc. acquired a Federal surplus building (formerly the Social Security Building) directly adjacent to the Central High School campus.  Larry Rice acquired this building free of charge because of a provision with the McKinney/Vento Act that gave priority to applicants proposing to serve people who are homeless.  Rice originally proposed a shelter, but now intends to provide a training center for homeless veterans at this facility.

Central High School is an extraordinary learning community serving approximately 1500 students from ages 9-18.   The high school, with the support of the Springfield Public School district, has fostered a safe and supportive environment.  Parents at Central High School are concerned that plans for a facility to serve homeless veterans, while a worthwhile project, pose a threat to the safety of our students.  The proximity of the proposed facility to student parking and swimming facilities are of deep concern to us.
    

Homeless veterans constitute an especially at-risk demographic, and suffer from a wide array of behavioral problems which pose exceptional threats to vulnerable people, especially students.  The proposed conversion of the old Social Security Building by New Life Evangelistic Center, Inc. to implement the “Veterans Come Home Program” poses a risk to students that parents, educators, administrators, and Central High School campus neighbors cannot accept in good conscience.
    

We have one goal: the safety of all students who participate in any program or activity occurring in and around Central High School campus and Springfield Public School property.