MT. VERNON - An anonymous donor has pledged $75,000 to the Lifeboat Alliance shelter if the organization can match the number.
The second matching grant to the shelter, the funds will go toward the construction and renovation being conducted by the Habitat for Humanity of Jefferson County, said Lifeboat Alliance Executive Director Jenny O'Daniel.
"Any funds left over will be dedicated to the operation of the facility," O'Daniel said. "First and foremost, we've just got to get the doors open."
O'Daniel said she and others on the Lifeboat Alliance board found out about the additional matching grant Wednesday.
"It's overwhelming," she said. "It's touching. I think what a lot of people might not realize is that even though our doors are not open, we're working with folks right now, and every day."
She said one woman found herself with no place to go and nothing but the clothes she was wearing, and came to Lifeboat Alliance asking for help.
"I sent a few e-mails, and now we have the lady equipped with kitchenwares, she's in an apartment, and we got a bed picked up for her," O'Daniel said. "I think it's just a matter of if people know there is a need, they will help, they will come forward, and there are so many compassionate people in our commmunity."
The shelter is already $10,000 deep toward its goal of $75,000 thanks to a different donor, she said, and Lifeboat Alliance has until October to attain the $75,000 total. - http://bit.ly/HD2Ns7
