Children can read and play in the community room at Hagar’s House Emergency Shelter in Decatur. Photo by Dena Mellick

We accept letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and are typically 400 to 800 words in length. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and content. To send your letter to the editor, email it to [email protected].

Dear Decaturish,

Hagar’s House is a thirty-ninety day emergency shelter for women with their children located in the downtown Decatur area. Hagar’s House is one of many arms of Decatur Cooperative Ministry that alleviates immediate issues of poverty and homelessness. With the upcoming holiday season approaching there is an increased need for volunteer participation to make it possible for the shelter to stay open all day on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

The shelter is normally open from 5/6 pm. to 7:30/9:30 am to the host families. On the holidays noted above we desire to keep the shelter open all day so that families who do not have family and friend resources on the outside can enjoy peace, love, fellowship and warmth on the inside.  This practice has been carried out by volunteers committing to two hour shifts from 8 am -6 pm. on each of the days listed above.

Interested volunteers will be provided a brief orientation and other necessary details prior to the time scheduled. Sharing of your individual time or your families time in this way can make the difference for a family in need and would be greatly appreciated by the agency. Interested persons may follow up and contact Machelle Scandrett at 404-377-5365, ext. 107 or contact Sybil Corbin, Hagar’s House Program Manager, at 404-370-0914.

Sincerely,

Sybil Corbin, M.Div.