Harbor House, A Division of Personal & Family Counseling Services, has purchased a home in New Philadelphia that will house the Domestic Violence Shelter. The house is 4,400 square feet and is situated on 1.5 acres of land.
The Harbor House Domestic Violence Shelter helps women and children who are victims of violence by providing safe shelter, support, education and access to needed resources. The ultimate goal is that the services provided by Harbor House will allow them to establish safe independent lives free of violence.
The current facility that houses the Harbor House Domestic Violence Shelter is gravely inadequate to meet the needs of the women and children who are victims of domestic violence. An average of 3, 225 nights of shelter are provided by Harbor House annually to women and children. The current facility has 3,200 square feet. This does not allow all of the families to sit down to a meal together or have an activity together in the living room. The building also does not have a private area large enough for groups to meet. Often there are 12 to 18 women in the support groups that occur twice each week. Women currently in the shelter, those who previously were in the shelter and women who are victims of domestic violence never having used the shelter attend the groups.
Finding a new facility has been a part of the agency strategic plan since 2006.
The new property will require renovations to meet the fire and building codes for use as a Shelter. The cost of renovations, permits and architect fees are projected to be $174,130.
Dave Ridenour is the architect and Brett Sulzener Builders LLC is the general contractor for the project.
The new location will provide:
- 1,200 additional square feet of living space
- 3 car attached garage
- Dining room to accommodate 12 people
- Living room to accommodate 12 people
- Recreation room to accommodate 20 people for support group and activities
- 5 car detached garage for storage of donations
- 1 large pantry to accommodate donations of food
- 1 enclosed patio for safety outside
- Private landscaped back yard for safe enjoyment of the outdoors
- Alarm system specifically designed for a domestic violence shelter
- Safe escape routes on each level in event of fire
Objectives of the new Shelter:
- To have a facility that is adequate for a Domestic Violence Shelter
- To better serve current clients
- To enhance safety for women and children who are victims of domestic violence
- To increase donations of food and household goods that may be accepted
Time Line for Project:
- June 3, 2010 - Renovations began
- August 30, 2010 - Renovations completed
- September 15, 2010 - Shelter opens
The agency will apply for Foundation grants to assist with the cost of renovations. However, additional financial assistance is necessary. The PFCS Auxiliary is sponsoring the Adopt-A-Room Program.
Adopt-A-Room allows the community to be a part of the transformation in the lives of the women and children who come to Harbor House. Individuals, families, friends, churches, businesses, clubs or groups can offer a future for their neighbors who are in need – women and children who are fleeing violence in their homes and are in need of emergency shelter and protection. Over the course of one year more than 3,000 nights of safe shelter are provided by Harbor House. The maximum capacity is eleven women and/or children at any given time.
Examples of Adopt-A-Room opportunities include:
Living Room
Carpet: $130.00
Floor Refinishing: $1,000.00
Wall Clock: $40.00
Décor: $150.00
Dining Room
Flooring: $875.00
Lighting: $500.00
Kitchen
Flooring: $500.00
Paint: $90.00
Appliances: $667.00
Family Lounge
Furniture: $3,000
(Sectional, Chairs, Side Tables, Coffee Table)
Bedrooms
3 Twin Bedding Sets: $100.00
Décor: $150
(Curtains, clock, pictures)
Download our flyer and sponsorship form or contact Marilyn Henry or Pam Trimmer at 330-343-8171. In addition to sponsoring a room, monetary donations of any amount are also welcome and may be sent to PFCS at 1433 5th Street, N.W., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.