More Seeking Shelter Help

Economy Recession A place to go when you can't go home could fall victim to the slow economy.

by Diana Lucio

Published: Mon, March 16, 2009 - 7:48 pm CST Last Updated: Mon, March 16, 2009 - 7:54 pm CST

Since Hurricane Katrina things have gotten a little cramped at the Salvation Army. Major Ted Morris says the number of people looking for a place to turn to is on the rise."We're finding we have more and more people who are having to come to the Salvation Army for the first time and people who have been on the giving end are now on the receiving end,"Morris Said.

They are not alone. Jerry Sommer is the Executive Director for the Lighthouse, a women's domestic abuse shelter in Robertsdale. She says as more people look for shelter assistance, they are feeling the pinch.
"Usually we have a surplus, we have anywhere from two to six months of operating expenses in the bank but that's not the case right now,"Sommer Said.
Despite their dilemma, the Salvation Army could be in for a reprieve from the recession. Thanks to Alabama's Katrina relief funds, a new shelter that would house around 38 women and children is in the works.

The shelter will be much smaller than the Dauphin Street shelter but they hope it will cut their costs in the long run.
The Boykin Boulevard shelter could open its doors as early as January of 2010. The Salvation Army says they will still need donations to furnish the new shelter. Like the Lighthouse, they can use donations year round.

To find out how you can help The Lighthouse call 251-947-6197. For more information on the Salvation Army call 251-438-1625.

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