Isaiah 117 House seeks donors and $250,000 to open first Russell County respite home for children in foster care

Acacia Nunley, Isaiah 117 House expansion coordinator for Russell County, asked supervisors for community support and described the group's local plans, a recent land donation and fundraising targets.

Nunley said Russell County currently has "76 children in the foster care system" and fewer than 10 local foster families, and described Isaiah 117 House as a short-term home that provides meals, clothing and staffed care while children await placement. She told the board the group has a land donation with appraisal and survey complete but "before we can break ground on the land to start building our home, we have to have $75,000 in the bank" and "before we can open our home, we have to have a 175,000 additionally to the 75,000 for our first year's budget."

Nunley invited board members and residents to an expansion meeting on April 20 and asked for help connecting the group to local churches and organizations, monthly donors and volunteers to serve as "sock buddies" and other roles.

What happens next: Isaiah 117 House plans local outreach and fundraising; the group said it will continue engagement with the county and community partners.