For six and a half decades the Ironton City Welfare Mission has been living up to its motto to be “the door of hope to the unfortunate.” Sadly, one of those doors recently closed and its future remained uncertain at one point.

The mission, which provides a variety of services for those in need, is still going strong on its clothing giveaway and daily lunches. Its holiday work that helps hundreds of families at Thanksgiving and Christmas isn’t going away.

But then, this week came the news that the City Mission has found a way to reopen its shelter, thanks to the wonderful volunteers who will take over caretaker Paul Horner’s duties while he is ill. Mr. Horner is in our thoughts and prayers.

The shelter is the only one of its kind in Lawrence County. Its loss would have truly been a detriment to all those who have ever used it — and all those who might ever need a helping hand.

The City Welfare Mission and the parent church that operates it have been pillars of support for the entire community for decades. We are confident that this will continue because of faith and goodwill.