A home that comes to the rescue of many eastern Kentucky homeless people may soon have to close
The Dove House in Prestonsburg has helped those less fortunate for the past five years, but money troubles may force the organization dedicated to helping others to sell their building.
Ramona Aiken says it's her calling in life to help those less fortunate in Floyd County. That’s why she says she opened Dove House. It’s a transitional home in Prestonsburg for people who need a place to live, food to eat and help getting on their feet. Now, five years later, Aiken has a heartfelt story for every person who's found help at Dove House.
She got out of that vehicle and she threw that bag of clothes down. Fell to my chest and just balled," Dove House President Ramona Aiken said.
She says they just don't have the money or the room to help everyone and she has a tearful story for every family she's had to turn away.
"Knowing they had nowhere to lay their head. They had not had a decent meal in forever and eternity, but we didn't have anywhere to put them. It breaks our hearts," Ramona Aiken said.
Aiken says lack of funding is forcing them to put dove house up for sale.
"No I don't want to sell it, but when you can't pay your bills you don't have a choice," Aiken said.
"I've already cried because it would be heart breaking to us," Dove House secretary Elaine Stricklin said.
Now they say they're just hoping the community will realize how many homeless people there are in Floyd County and fight to keep dove house open.
"Help us to stay open. Help us to help those are not as fortunate as some of us others are," Aiken said.
“I know they can't give everything but something would be better than nothing," Stricklin said.
Aiken and Strickin say the main thing they provide for those in need, is hope and now they're hoping to stay open.
Dove House, Inc. Contact Information:
P.O. Box 493 KY RT 321 Prestonsburg, KY 41653
3490 KY Route 321 Prestonsburg, KY
President Ramona Aiken: (606) 226-2011