City Tells House of Hope to Stop Taking in Women

LONGVIEW — According to the shelter’s executive director and founder, the Rev. “Sister” Helen Johnson, the city of Longview has forbidden the emergency women and children’s shelter from accepting any more people until it is up to code. Fire Marshal Johnny Zachary said House of Hope has already addressed kitchen requirements but must reduce its occupancy to 20 people and maintain a 24-hour fire watch until the facility is compliant with city code. “We are in critical need of bringing our building up to city codes, which includes a sprinkler system complete with fire alarms, and a new shower room and bath room,” said Johnson in an e-mail. Johnson is the founder and executive director of the shelter.

According to the Longview News-Journal, Johnson said the shelter accommodate 60 women every night. At present we only have two showers and two bathrooms. The city code states that they must have one shower per every eight women and a toilet and sink for every ten women. The House of Hope has plans in place and is ready to start construction. People willing to donate labor, time, materials or money are asked to call project coordinator Kelly Flatt at (903) 746-3974.