Safe Embrace was given the thumbs up for more beds in their shelter, but there's a lot of work they have to do.
The nonprofit has been housing domestic violence victims for more than two decades.
Before the decision was made for expansion, the shelter could house up to 10 people, and now, almost double that.
The exact number is between 18 and 21 people, but it ultimately depends on if the house can switch from septic to the city's sewer line.
They say that will be pretty expensive.
On Tuesday, the Washoe County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to expand Safe Embrace's capacity with a special use permit.
This comes after the nonprofit was technically denied by the County's Board of Adjustments in a split vote back in August.
Safe Embrace says the more room they have, the more victims they can help.
"Unfortunately, just because we are one of two domestic violence shelters here in Northern Nevada, there is a lengthy wait list," said Afshan West, Executive Director for Safe Embrace.
There have been several reported issues with neighbors that live near the shelter.
Many spoke out at the County's commission meeting.
"Rest assured Safe Embrace will never meet those conditions," said Marvice Beutel
"There's no place for a commercial building in a residential neighborhood," said Tammy Witich.
"They do not meet, site suitability or consistency of the neighborhood," said Nora Constantino.
Safe Embrace has answered some of the concerns by upgrading their security systems, limiting animals, and having personnel on site during the night hours.
The nonprofit is enlisting a neighborhood response team where they will take feedback from the nearby homes to see what issues they can fix as they come.
Ultimately, the board decided to pass the special use permit for more beds, but they said they can revoke the permit if they are not following up to their promises and code.
"I think this is a huge opportunity for Safe Embrace, our organization to prove itself not only to the community, but to the neighbors," West said.
If the neighbors are still not satisfied, they can make a formal complaint to the board to have their permit revoked.
