Signs of Victory Mission has raised approximately $2,000, but another $10,700 is still needed to meet lease and property contract obligations before a June 21 deadline.

Priscilla Matland, her husband, George, and sister-in-law Gale Russell manage the shelter and mission program. Priscilla Matland said Monday afternoon the mission received checks totaling more than $500 soon after a story concerning their financial problems appeared in the Democrat-Herald.

A fundraising pancake breakfast will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday at 602 Cleveland St. S.E. Donations will be accepted, but no one will be turned away, Matland said.

"We've also got donation cans all over town," Matland said. "Our deadline is June 21. I believe we're going to make it. God is good. We're keeping the faith that we're going to make it."

The Matlands and Russell operate Signs of Victory Albany Mission at 705 Lyon Street S.E. , which is an emergency shelter for men, women and families with children. They also operate a food box distribution program from the same address.

A soup kitchen at 602 Cleveland provides meals to the needy on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. A thrift store at the same address acts as a fundraising vehicle for the program.

Last week, the mission administrators were notified they were in default because they had failed to pay late charges on February, March and April payments. They also paid only $1,000 toward their $2,500 March payment and had not made April or May payments.

The mission also allegedly owed 16 late payment charges on an installment contract for the property at 705 Lyon Street.

The default notice was sent by a Eugene law firm on behalf of the Myron L. Taylor Trust and Don Taylor & Associates, Inc.

The default notice also charged the mission had failed to roof and repair siding at the building on Cleveland Street.

"We're in the process of roofing right now," Matland said. "If anyone wants to donate materials or time, we would certainly welcome them. We got the siding done more than a month ago."

Matland said the mission is sorely needed in Albany.

"We serve from 60 to 120 meals three nights a week," Matland said. "We have people standing in the parking lot waiting, or who take to-go meals to others who can't make it in themselves. They also take some food for the next day. It may be the only meal they will get that day."

Some 41 people live in the house on Lyon Street and another 20 live with Russell.

To donate, make checks out to Signs of Victory, c/o Priscilla Matland, P.O. Box 186, Albany, OR 97321.