King's Harvest in Davenport will get to stay open after several fire code violations threatened to close its doors.
Last May, a fire marshal came in to inspect the building, telling staff they needed to make several thousands of dollars in upgrades to bring the building up to code.
Volunteers at King's Harvest say they were stunned when they learned they'd have to raise at least $77,000 for a new sprinkler system and fire alarm.
The city gave them a deadline of December 1st to get this done, and they weren't sure they were going to make it, but in just six and a half weeks, they went way beyond goal, raising $110,000.
"We had no idea that in six and a half weeks, we'd raise as much money as we did," Fundraising Coordinator Anne McVey says.
Workers at King's Harvest are breathing a sigh of relief, now that a $77,000 burden has been lifted off their shoulders.
"We weren't sure if we could [raise that much], so we had no idea," McVey says, "People just wanted to help."
The overnight shelter for women and children was told last May, get up to code or shut down by winter, right when the need for shelter is greatest.
Officials say they have two fire escapes and back doors to get people out in emergencies, but that wasn't enough.
"We have a shelter for homeless mothers and children, and nobody wants to push innocent children out onto the street at night," McVey says, "Our services are underneath this roof so they would all be gone."
Through grants and private donations, the shelter was able to raise more than they needed, covering the expenses of a new fire alarm and sprinkler system and then some.
"Before we were going day to day, month to month with no extra money," McVey says, "We want to expand our services because in the past we've had to turn people away because of limited funds."
Volunteers say up to 350 people come for each of the three meals and free groceries they provide during the week, and the shelter, which houses up to 50, is often full to the brim.
The extra funds will help feed and house more families in need each night.
"We are constantly in need of donations, the emergency is now gone, but we're going to feeding the poor and homeless," McVey says, "There's a lot of people out there hurting."
King's Harvest is always in need of donations and volunteers. To find out more about how you can help, please visit King's Harvest at: http://www.kingsharvest.net/Pages/default.aspx.
