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“God Paid It” is how she described the exciting turn of events. That’s how Rev. Marguerite Morris relates the circumstances that prevented the foreclosure of Leah’s House, the women’s homeless shelter she founded.

Channel 7 in Washington did a story about the imminent foreclosure of the facility located in the former Happyland Club in Valley Lee. Rev. Morris believes the story prompted a benefactor, who prefers to remain anonymous, to pony up enough money to pay for the more than $300,000 mortgage, which was discounted by the mortgage holder, Harbor Bank, according to Morris.

In an e-mail to supporters on Thursday, Morris wrote: “Well a few days ago, God had someone (who wished to remain anonymous) pay the mortgage off. Not a refinance or a loan. God has paid off the mortgage on the shelter property.”

Leah’s House currently has seven residents and has a capacity of eight to 12. Many of the residents are victims of domestic violence. Some of those residents testified at this week’s St. Mary’s County budget hearing. Leah’s House has been requesting funding from the county for the past several years, and this year asked for $30,000, which was denied in a preliminary budget decision. The commissioners will finalize the budget by the end of the month.

Morris points out that the receiving of the gift of the mortgage payoff doesn’t eliminate the need for fundraising. Currently staff is all-volunteer, but the shelter still needs $5 thousand a month to operate, Morris said they will be raising money at the carnival on Saturday following the Pride in the Park Parade.

Leah’s House also has a major annual fundraiser coming up on May 19 at Patuxent Presbyterian Church, 23421 Kingston Creek Road in California. The 5th annual event is called “Afternoon of Elegance Tea Party,” with the theme, “HIS Daughters.” The fundraiser will feature keynote speaker Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq., author, professor and teacher, radio talk show host, peace and human rights activist, and former congressional candidate.

Also featured at the event which runs from noon to 2 p.m. are contests for best dressed mother/daughter or daughter/dad, oldest/youngest mother/daughter, mother with the most daughters attending, best hat, and best dressed table.

Ticket donations are $22/person. For tickets or more information call 301-994-9580. To pay in advance and receive tickets visit www.leahshousemd.org and click on Donate. You can contact Rev. Morris at 301-408-8833.