SHALOM also has seen a spike in the number of females seeking shelter. The shelter has served 38 women, a record, he said. Typically, about 20 women a year stay with SHALOM, he said.
The homeless shelter runs through the middle of March.
Fugate said SHALOM is seeing many homeless who have never used its services previously.
Christ United Methodist is serving the homeless this week.
SHALOM recently received a large donation of hygiene items from a group at the Lebanon Correctional Institution, he said.
“This is just another wonderful example of how our mission is not only a blessing to Christ and our homeless guests but also to those who have an opportunity to serve those in need by contributing to our efforts,” Fugate said.
He said SHALOM is hoping to add churches to its program next year. It’s seeking churches in the Middletown, Monroe, Trenton, Franklin, Germantown, Springboro or Hamilton area that would desire to shelter and serve the guests for one week, he said.
The next meeting for SHALOM is set for 2:01 p.m. March 1 at the First United Methodist Church. This meeting is open to everyone who serves in SHALOM or anyone interested in learning more about SHALOM.
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