Lifehouse crisis maternity home sees growing need for baby supplies

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO.(KBSI) – LifeHouse of Southern Missouri is seeing an increase in the number of mothers and babies it serves, creating a greater need for donations of basic baby supplies.

The crisis maternity home, a program of Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri, currently serves 13 mothers, two toddlers and nine babies, and according to Program Manager Riley Siebert another baby is expected soon.

Siebert said the organization’s most urgent needs include everyday items.

“Right now, our greatest need is baby items,” Siebert said. “Things like baby oil, baby soap, baby lotion, diapers and wipes, diaper bags are very helpful for our moms and babies.”

LifeHouse provides a safe place for pregnant women experiencing some form of homelessness. Women can enter the program at any point during their pregnancy and can remain at LifeHouse for up to a year after their baby is born, Siebert said.

As the number of babies in the program grows, so does the need for resources.

Development Officer Cameron Borders said donations are especially important when the organization faces budget limitations.

“Those donations are so important to us because they essentially help LifeHouse run,” Borders said. “And they’re essential for all of our moms and babies to make sure that they have what they need.”

In addition to diaper bags and lotions, LifeHouse is seeking items including bottles, baby lotion, soaps, shampoos, socks, hats and mittens.

The organization says community donations help provide mothers and their babies with the basic necessities they need while they work toward greater stability. Donations can be dropped off at LifeHouse of Cape Girardeau.

For information on donating, contact LifeHouse of Southeast Missouri in Cape Girardeau.