Your First Story: One More Draft Example

Too Much Help?

            When people are in need it’s not unusual for a community to rise up to meet the challenge.

            This is exactly what the city of Saint Johns ST. JOHNS, STED SAINT JOHNS has done.

UM, WHAT HAVE THEY DONE? SEEMS LIKE WE’RE MISSING A NUT GRAF HERE THAT ANSWERS THAT QUESTION

            According to Michigan’s Campaign to End Homelessness, Michigan’s South Central area, which includes Clinton County, has a homeless population of 14,267 individuals.

            Nationally, Michigan is ranked first in the Midwest for number of homelessness and Poverty, according to the U.S. department DEPARTMENT IS UPPER CASE of Housing and Urban Development Annual Homeless Assessment.

            With so many people needing assistance it’s no wonder that in the last decade businesses in Saint Johns, such as the Tree of Life Community Church and the Basic Needs Center, have opened their doors for individuals in need of their services.

            Paster Russ McCoy, head of the Basic Needs Center, said, “[The Basic Needs Center’s] main mission is to feed a clothe those who are in need, all free of charge.”

            Since opening their doors in 2011 the amount of families they provide services for has only grown.

            “We provide about 1,500 families with food and clothing,” said McCoy.

            “We couldn’t do this without the community, they support us finically and provide us with food and clothing,” said McCoy.

AGAIN, DETAILS? HOW MUCH MONEY DO THESE GROUPS SPEND YTO DO WHAT THEY DO? WHERE DOES THE MONEY COME FROM? DON’T JUST TELL ME THAT’S THE SITUATION; SHOW ME THE DETAILS AND THE PROOF

            A similar story can be told about the Tree of Life Community Church.

            Kay McKone, an employee at the Community Church, said, “we interact with the local businesses and work together to encourage the community.”

BY DOING WHAT, EXACTLY? BE PRECISE

            Which such a great environment for individuals who are struggling, one can wonder if this increase of people in need has had any impact on the surrounding business and community.           WELL, HAS IT? WE NEED TO CHECK THAT OUT. WHAT DO BUSINESSES SAY? WHAT DO TOWNSPEOPLE AND CITY OFFICIALS SAY? WHAT DOES THE DATA TELL US? IS POVERTY GROWING OR SHRINKING? WE NEED TO ANSWER QUESTIONS CREATED BY OUR REPORTING

Sources:

Kay McKone

Employee at The Tree of Life Community Church

(989) 534-2534

Pastor Russ McCoy

In charge of the Basic Needs Center

(517) 230-4618

**Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to get in contact with anyone else. (Due to business hours, class scheduling, and meets) But we are going to Saint Johns today (Tuesday) where I plan to get the rest of my sources. Above is obviously the foundation for my story (It is very much a rough draft). Below are questions I plan on asking to local business, individuals in the area, and patrons who visit the Basic Needs Center.

Questions:

(Business)

-    Name

-    Job title/position

-    What services does your business provide?

-    Have you had any problems with individuals walking in and not buying anything? Or not being able to purchase anything?

-    With the Basic Needs Center so close have you noticed any change in the type of customer you serve?

-    Has this been an issue?

-    What are ways you think the Basic Needs Center could be harming the community?

-    Is there anything you wish they would do differently?

(Individuals)

-    Name

-    Job/Position

-    Since the opening of the Basic Needs Center have you noticed a change in the type of individuals in town? Or the area?

-    If so, what are they?

-    How does this make you feel?

-    Do you think the Basic Needs Center is a good thing to have in Downtown Saint Johns?

(Individuals in the Basic Needs Center)

-    Name

-    Job title/position

-    How long have you been coming to the Basic Needs Center?

-    How long have you lived here?

-    Did the Center influence you decision at all?

-    How did you hear about the Center?

-    Why do you think the Center is a good idea?

-    Do you think it has changed the attitude/feeling of the community?

Neutral Expert: Anderson, Steven     

Director and professor

Poverty; social services; social welfare policy and politics. Researches poor families' access to social benefits, and policy and program strategies that improve access to those services.

Phone: 517-355-7515

Email: stevea@msu.edu

**I’ve been playing phone tag with him for a few days.**