By Bob Schwarz
STAFF WRITER

Arlene, 40, moved to Charleston from another state to escape an abusive relationship. She and her 11-year-old son have very little of what others take for granted.

She sleeps on a mattress on the floor while her son sleeps on a broken-down rollaway. They each have a blanket but no pillows.

Arlene suffers from extreme anxiety. She wonít get a restraining order against her abuser because he has threatened her and her son if she were to obtain one.

For Christmas, Arlene wants a good bed for her son and some sheets. She needs high-top tennis sneakers to better support weak ankles that make walking difficult. She and her son need clothing, coats and shoes. The boy likes to draw, and would like a drawing/art set as a special gift.

Arlene and her son are two of the many people who have made more than 15,000 visits the first 11 months of this year to Covenant House, the social services agency which moved last year from Quarrier Street to bigger quarters on Shrewsbury Street. The new $2.25 million three-story, 13,000-square-foot building with the residential look replaces a worn-out 2,500-square-foot building.

ìSome just come to sit and relax and get out of the elements,î said Phil Hainen, Covenant Houseís drop-in center coordinator. Most visitors use the showers and/or laundry machines, seek emergency help to stave off termination of utilities or eviction, or seek food and clothing from Covenant Houseís food pantry and clothing closet.

Nine full-time employees staff Covenant House, assisted by several part-time workers and many volunteers, Hainen said. It takes $1.2 million a year to run the centerís eight programs. Although some of the money comes from the government, much of it comes from local foundations, civic groups, congregations and individuals.

Former nuns Pat Hussey and Barbara Ferraro have run the Covenant House since it began in 1981. The center is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.

ìWeíre at least able to provide bare necessities to people,î Hainen said. ìOur laundry is an immense help to many. So are the showers. This is a place where people can come and be without fear of judgment.î

To contact Covenant House, call 344-8053.

To contact staff writer Bob Schwarz, use e-mail or call 348-1249.