On Tuesday a groundbreaking was held for the Domestic Violence Resource Center's new 40,000-square-foot building.
The center will contain 100 beds, which is four times more than their last shelter. It will also have all of their domestic violence resources under one roof.
Those who are struggling can come to them for shelter, protection orders, counseling, and many more services to help them rebuild their lives.
Kristen Kennedy, the Executive Director of the Domestic Violence Resource Center, says, "This is for people who need a safe place to stay and can bring their children with them."
Right now, they serve about 4,200 individuals a year, and with this new facility, they will be able to help about 6,500 a year.
"Right now, we have to double and triple up families in rooms sometimes, and every individual coming in will have their own private bedroom and bathroom,"Â said Kennedy.
She also shared more about the funding for this new center: "We are just so blown away by the generosity of our community. This entire project, except for a million dollars of it, was completely privately funded. So, our construction goal was $31 million, and we've raised $29.9 million so far."
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve told us that having this facility is a game-changer.
"This is also going to give those who are in domestic violence relationships a place to come and feel safe but also talk to other survivors, so they don't feel alone," she said.
Mayor Schieve adds, "This will save lives, the impact this is going to have on women and their children and their animals. People forget about their children or animals in these environments. They think it doesn't affect everyone. When you're in a domestic violence relationship, the entire family is affected."
If you would like to contribute or seek help, you can click the link here.
You can also call their 24-hour hotline at 775-329-4150.
