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This time of year, leading into the holiday season, is a time when non-profits typically see low funds in the operations budget. Things are no different at the House of Refuge, a shelter for abused women and families. With no other shelter in the county, the needs are great, and the space sorely limited.
In its 27 years of operation, the House of Refuge has relied solely on the donations of churches, businesses, and individuals. It receives no federal or state funding.
In this spirit, Cindy Humphries, fundraising chairman and member of the board of directors, came up with an idea to raffle off a handmade quilt, Christmas tree skirt, tablerunner and hot pads. The items were made by two individuals and donated to the House of Refuge.
“The tickets will be sold for $10 each, and we will draw the winner the first week in December,” Humphries said. “Various churches in the community will display the quilts, and we will also have them at various retail locations between now and the end of November.”
For more information or to purchase raffle tickets, please call (903) 874-3421.
The Christian-based shelter is a non-profit agency, so all contributions are tax deductible. Grady and Joann Pierson, executive directors of the House of Refuge, had to turn away two gentlemen seeking shelter, because they are not equipped to take in men.
“At this time, we are full capacity, and have been for two months,” Joann Pierson said. “We’re having to turn people away due to not enough space. We have calls daily.
“There’s a need in Corsicana to keep this house going. It is imperative to have this shelter. The women are required to attend the church of their choice weekly.”
Humphries said it is not an 8 to 5 job for the Piersons, but rather 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with phones ringing in the middle of the night with people needing a place to stay temporarily. The purpose of the House of Refuge is to help women, mothers, get back on their feet, escape a potentially dangerous situation, find employment, then eventually move out and be on their own.
“It’s a daily struggle to stay funded, but God has blessed this ministry, even through this difficult economy,” Joann said. “You do need faith — every month — that we will continue.”
“We have an awesome God, and a generous community that supports this ministry,” Humphries said.
In addition to helping House of Refuge by purchasing a ticket for the quilts, you may make a tax deductible donation at any time by calling (903) 874-3421, and there is an annual gospel concert put on by the House of Refuge each May, and last year a garage sale was held in April with great success.
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Deanna Kirk may be reached by email at dkirk@corsicanadailysun.com. Want to “Soundoff” on this story? Email: soundoff@corsicanadailysun.com
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