HomeStore helps those with no home

Since its doors opened in August of 1993, HurlburtJohnson Friendship House in Murphy, NC has been providing temporary refuge for people in crisis. As the only homeless shelter in a 100-mile radius, Friendship House has provided up to 4300 nights of shelter per year for anyone in need, regardless of his or her original geographical location.

The Friendship House's mission is to provide shelter and supportive services to homeless families and individuals in Cherokee County and the surrounding area in a nurturing, safe, and caring environment, and to assist them in moving from homelessness to self-sufficiency in their community. The home was bought with the help of an interest free loan and renovated by countless volunteer hours. The eleven-bedroom facility is supported entirely by private donations and grants.

Ashley Furniture HomeStore in Murphy recently contributed $1,000 to help support this valuable community service. On hand for the donation of the funds, which took place at Ashley's new 40,000 square foot showroom at 1450 Andrews Road in Murphy, were [pictured left to right] Father Jim Johnson, Lea English, and Jean Whims with The Friendship House, along with GW Hendrix and Stephen Roach , Co-Managers of the Ashley Furniture HomeStore.

"We were impressed with the dual purpose of the Friendship House, providing both short-term shelter and long-term benefits such as goal-setting and employment skills. We were pleased to make this donation as part of our Ashley Cares program, giving back to our community," said Darryl Rose, president of the Ashley Furniture HomeStore in Murphy.

"We're happy to have a company like Ashley in Murphy that believes in giving back so directly to the community, and we're pleased and honored that Ashley found the Friendship House deserving of that generosity," said Dana Bius, president of the board for Friendship House. H u r l b u r t J o h n s o n

Friendship House is always in need of volunteers for tasks such as cooking, gardening, house maintenance and day care assistance. Donations of cash, furniture, food or cleaning supplies are especially appreciated as well. To volunteer or make a tax deductible contribution, contact Deni Graves at (828) 837-2654 or send checks to: Friendship House, Inc., PO Box 422, Murphy, NC 28906.