by Debbie Lurie-Smith

When a crisis occurs for a family or individual, a clean, safe place to sleep could make a big difference, and that is the joint goal of the Jones County Sheriff’s Department and the Exchange Club.

Sheriff Butch Reece had the idea of the safe house when the opportunity arose to utilize available FEMA trailers. He said the trailers were received with the aid of the U.S. Marshal Service and explained that his department receives first chance at equipment and even furniture because the county houses federal prisoners.

Capt. Billy Mitchell was among the Jones County officers who traveled to FEMA trailers headquarters in Selma, Ala. to pick up two trailers to be used as mobile headquarters and respite units for remote operations for the department.

Reece mentioned the possibility of picking up another trailer for a safe house at that time but also said he was looking for a civic organization to partner with the sheriff’s department to help with expenses.

When the additional trailer arrived, the sheriff found that partner in the Jones County Exchange Club. He and Mitchell were invited to a meeting of the club and the members voted unanimously to adopt the project.

The Exchange Club held its meeting at the sheriff’s department last week and toured the trailer to see what it needed to be ready for operation. Mitchell said he is working on moving the unit to a secure location and having the utilities connected.

The trailer contains four bunk beds, a double bed and a sofa that converts to another double bed. It has the necessary furniture but needs dishes, linens, small appliances, and a stocked pantry.

When time allows, Exchange Club committee members will be called to furnish perishable items like bread and milk as the trailer is needed.

“This all fell in place,” Mitchell explained. “Now when we have a family in need of a place to stay, we have to take them to the Gray Motel or find other lodging. This trailer will sleep six comfortably, and we expect to have it ready this fall.”

Mitchell said he sees the safe house as a necessary help to the community that can be utilized for families in the midst of a domestic crisis as well as circumstances such as house fires. The captain said there is no way to guess the number of times a safe house is needed.

“This will be a real helping hand for people in a time of need,” he added.