Construction on a new shelter for victims of domestic violence can begin next month thanks to nearly $4 million in donations to Harmony House.
Last October, Springfield’s only domestic violence shelter announced that it had purchased an aging hotel with the intention of turning it into a new shelter and administration building. Within the past several months, fundraising efforts have reached $3.9 million, which will go toward the renovation of the property.
Pursuit of the original $4.6 million goal will continue, but construction can commence as soon as April, says executive director Lisa Farmer.
“We are waiting on the permits, the construction permits to be issued from the city, so we’re in the middle of that process. As soon as those permits are issued, we are about ready to begin construction.”
The new shelter will be able to provide 50 more beds than the current facility, in addition to offering more services. A medical exam room, more classroom space for life skill classes and support groups, and a larger dining room equipped to seat up to 80 people at a time will be included.
Full funding of the goal will provide for property acquisition, renovation, and construction of two additions.
Farmer says help is needed for preparation of the new shelter.
“Certainly we’ll need specific items, like we need floor covering, we need laminate, we’ll need furniture, window treatment, so for people that maybe own companies that supply those kinds of products, we would love to talk to you about donating.”
Lead donors to the project have included Bobby Allison, the Stanley and Elain Ball Foundation, and the O’Reilly family.
Included in the total funds raised to date is $250,000 Mabee Foundation Challenge Grant that is contingent on Harmony House reaching its original $4.6 million goal.