The peace movement is coming home: that's how Aaron Plunkett, owner of Aaron's Alley on Monroe Avenue, describes his store's new neighbor, the Storefront Anti-War Crisis Center, which opened its doors on April 15.

"The support has been breathtaking," says Louise Wu, one of the center's organizers and a member of Peace, Action and Education, a task force of Metro Justice. "Those who have come in to visit us have not only said ‘hello' or ‘welcome,' but they say ‘yea,' they applaud us, they offer help. It's way beyond a warm welcome - it's an embrace."

The Storefront is a collaborative effort of area peace and anti-war organizations. Sponsored by Peace, Action and Education and endorsed by several other local peace groups, both secular and religious, the center will hold a variety of events: peace actions, gallery exhibitions, and educational discussions, for example.

"It is a physically tangible concretization of people's feelings," Wu says. "The Storefront is a place for groups and individuals with the same peace sentiments to come together. There is a great potential for synergy."

The Storefront is a two-month pilot program funded by donations and staffed by volunteers. After the lease is up on June 30, the organizers will evaluate its success and determine whether they'll continue it. The Storefront will hold its official opening on Friday, May 11. In the meantime, the doors are open for people to stop in, sign a petition, write a letter, join in a phone-bank project calling politicians, see exhibitions and performances, and join a discussion.

The Storefront Anti-War Crisis Center is located at 658 Monroe Avenue. Hours are Monday through Saturday noon to 8 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Information: 271-2620.