July 13, 2023 – God’s Shelter of Love Celebrates is celebrating 32 years of service, providing a safe place for Decatur’s Women and Children.
Founded in 1991 as a single shelter, God’s Shelter of Love has expanded to include an emergency overnight shelter and operates Blessingdale’s Thrift store as a source of sustainable funding.
In 2022 alone, God’s Shelter of Love provided more than 5,000 safe nights of rest to 96 unique women and 65 unique children. These families also receive a variety of services, ranging from food and clothing, referrals to other agencies, and assistance with programs.
“If we were to close, there could easily be 24 women and children on the street any night without housing,” says Executive Director Dan Watkins. “This is especially dangerous as these women are at-risk for sexual assault and other abuses, and children can be exposed to unavoidable traumas if not housed.” Lately, the shelters have had more guests, running close to capacity most of the year.
The low-barrier emergency shelter, Careage House, has 16 beds – 12 individual bunks in the main sleeping area and a family room that sleeps 4. Guests can arrive in the evening and leave in the morning. Some guests stay for a single night; others stay for an extended period of time.
Women (and their children) who show commitment to being substance-free and investing in themselves long-term are eligible to stay at the 24-hour shelter, God’s Shelter of Love. There, guests have their own room but share community spaces while receiving assistance including finding employment, childcare/parenting support from local partners, mental health evaluation, and signing up for benefits.
“The goal is for them to be set up with safe, affordable housing and also find the support structure they need to begin a successful step forward in their journey,” says Watkins.
Listen to the interview with Watkins on Byers & Co:
