Finishing touches are being placed on the future Acker/Glass Men's Shelter, located at 106 North Texas St., in DeRidder.

"The shelter will be officially open as soon as necessary renovations are completed and approved," Founder/CEO Wade Jones said.

The shelter is awaiting approval from the State Fire Marshal, Jones said, and a target date to officially open is set for early March.

"We would like to thank everyone for their support, and we are asking for your continuing support," Jones said. "Many donations have been given, and we again thank you."

The shelter will provide meals and bedding for men in need, as well as assistance to find employment.

"We're going to have all of the utilities, the food and everything, just like a home," Jones said.

Many volunteers have been helping to get the shelter ready, including Boy Scouts and soldiers, Jones said.

"It's not a hole in the wall — it's a nice place," Jones said.

Monetary donations can be mailed to: Acker/Glass Men's Shelter, P.O. Box 847, DeRidder, LA, 70634.

For more information, call (337) 396-3435.