Church members unveiled the new 24-hour shelter in Fort Washington last weekend in a celebration attended by County Council members, State's Attorney Glenn F. Ivey and Sheriff Michael Jackson.

"The Bible says that we are our brother's keeper, we are our sister's keeper," said the Rev. C. Anthony Muse, pastor of the Oxon Hill congregation. The church donated $75,000 to convert a two- story house into the shelter, which can accommodate up to five families. On Saturday, church members brought in new appliances, dishes and other supplies.

The opening of the shelter, called Victory House, comes five months after Ivey began an effort to draw attention to the problem of domestic violence in the county.

"Victory House is just a seed today," Muse said, adding that the church community must do more to provide housing for women and children who are victims of abuse. "We want other churches to step up to the plate."

Last year, Ivey encouraged congregations across the county to hold special services and talk to members about domestic violence. He praised Muse and his members for going beyond that special service and promising to do more, such as providing housing for women and their children.

"This house stands as a promise kept," Ivey said. "If every church in the county would step up to the plate like this, we will be able to deal with the problem of domestic violence."

Ivey, who recently underwent successful treatment for kidney cancer, said that his illness caused him to rethink his priorities. "When I got that wake-up call, I thought this is the kind of thing I should be doing."

Prince George's County Council Chairman Tony Knotts (D-Temple Hills) also challenged other churches to follow Ark of Safety's lead.

"If we are truly the children of God, then let's prove it," Knotts said.

Jackson said that his office has made addressing the problem of domestic violence a priority, with 20 deputy sheriffs assigned to domestic violence cases 24 hours a day.

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Church Opens 24-Hour Shelter; Refuge for Victims of Domestic Violence

Hamil R. Harris:
The Washington Post

April 1, 2004

Battered woman and children have a new place to seek refuge in Prince George's County, thanks to Ark of Safety Christian Church.