The Charleston City Council approved the proclamation to bring Hedwig Haus, located at 227 Jackson Ave. in Charleston into the Charleston community.

Michael Metzger, treasurer of Hedwig Haus of Hospitality, says their intent is to provide safe shelter for those women and children who come from abusive environments.

“We want to give them a home as they transition to the next stage of their life,” Metzger said. “This will be our first home and we’ll see what our resources allow us to do.”

Metzger said if Hedwig Haus of Hospitality is successful, then another house would be acquired through the same process.

They have decided to follow the Catholic Worker model, which was first founded by Dorothy Day in the mid-1930s.

Hedwig Haus of Hospitality has chosen to model their institution from the Catholic Worker Movement because of their commitment to non-violence and prayer and humility.

“We felt the Catholic Worker model fit into the community,” Metzger said.

The city council approved the proclamation after the zoning board made restrictions for only five individuals to live in the house.

Mayor John Inyart said there were neighborhood concerns about the Hedwig Haus to the zoning board.

“There was also those in favor of it,” Inyart said. “Without limitations, it made some people uncomfortable about how many would live in the house.”

Inyart said the proclamation will be manageable and the council agreed with the zoning board’s recommendations.

“It’s a conditional use that permit that goes with the house,” Inyart said. “There were notices in the paper so people would know what was gong on in their neighborhood.”

The council also discussed Bike to work week, which occurs May 16-20. The dedicated week is in promotion of bicycle safety throughout the Charleston community.

Larry Rennels, a council member, said the council approved the Bike to Work week because it keeps people from getting injured.

“There is also a Bike to work day event held during that week,” Rennels said.

The week is promoted by the League of American Bicyclists and is a state-wide event. There will be an event to celebrate a Bike to Work Day, which will take place on May 20 and is considered a different event.

Jennifer Brown can be reached at 581-7942 or jebrown2@eiu.edu