Who can stay at God's Shelter of Love? 
God's Shelter of Love provides shelter to women and children who have become homeless in Decatur, Macon County and central Illinois.  To interview for admittance, a valid state-issued ID is required.  Intake times are 9am-1pm, Monday through Friday.  Those staying at God's Shelter of Love are responsible for daily chores to maintain the cleanliness of the shelter.  

Where do all the people go during the day?
As a mission focused on empowering individuals to be independent members of the community, God's Shelter of Love requires that all adult women leave the shelter daily to work or seek employment.  Individuals are also encouraged to enroll in classes and job-training programs that will lead to certification and employment.  Once a shelter resident gains employment, they open a savings account for future housing and living needs.  To help residents reach their employment goals, God's Shelter of Love provides classes and tutoring on "soft" employments skills such as resume writing, employer expectations, and communication.  Residents battling drug or alcohol addiction can receive inpatient and outpatient treatment from Heritage Behavioral Health Center, one of our agency partners.  

God's Shelter of Love enforces a 4:30 p.m. curfew.  Exceptions to curfew are work, classes, support groups, and church functions.     

Why are people homeless?
People do not become homeless overnight.  Generally a series of events escalate to the point that an individual or family can no longer maintain their home.  Factors can include, but are not limited to:
  • Poverty
  • Little formal education
  • Unemployment/Underemployment
  • Substance abuse
  • Mental health issues
  • Domestic violence
  • Unplanned pregnancy
  • Family disputes
  • Lack of essential life skills such as parenting or budgeting.

These factors touch the entire scope of the economic ladder.  Homelessness can happen to people from all walks of life.  

How long do people stay at God's Shelter of Love?
God's Shelter of Love does not have a prescribed length of stay for residents; they are encouraged to stay until they acquire the skills and savings necessary to become financially stable.  On average, the typical length of stay is between 3-6 months.