Advocates to End Domestic Violence break ground for shelter

Advocates to End Domestic Violence celebrated the groundbreaking on its shelter for sexual and domestic violence survivors in a private ceremony Wednesday.

Carson City Supervisor Stacey Giomi addressed members of the crowd who attended the event, including Chamber of Commerce members and local Northern Nevada developer and project general contractor Shaheen Beauchamp Builders LLC.

“This shelter has been over 20 years in the making,” Giomi said. “Seeing it come to fruition now, considering those who were dedicated to serving, is a fantastic feeling.”

The shelter is the third in a four-phase project. The thrift store Classy Seconds was built in 1986 and relocated in November 2017. The Intervention and Resource Center, the second phase, is a 6,400-square-foot space for the training and education of clients.

Once the shelter is complete, transitional housing will be developed with six apartments, Giomi said.

The shelter has been funded in part through the organization’s annual Taste of Downtown.

Carson City Mayor Lori Bagwell, who attended Wednesday’s groundbreaking, called AEDV’s Executive Director Lisa Lee and her a team a “supreme example” of local nonprofits working to help Carson City’s adult population in need.

“I feel like it’s such a needed resource for people in need,” Bagwell said. “It’s reassuring. There’s nothing worse than feeling like you need to help someone and there’s nowhere, there’s no ability to help them. And I’m so proud of this organization because I know that they will give them the help that they need.”

Chamber Executive Director Ronni Hannaman was pleased Lee and AEDV were working with local contractors and partners.

“There’s so many people who are unhoused and there are so many women who are abused, and I think this is just a wonderful way to make sure they progress,” Hannaman said. “By having a beautiful shelter, they can see what it’s like to get out of an abusive relationship. I think the nonprofits we have in our community are full of heart, and I think this one of those.”

Lee told the Appeal building plans are continuing well for the shelter, calling Wednesday’s celebration “monumental” as it prepares to offer new services to the community. The shelter will have a total of 38 beds in one- and two-bedroom units that will offer extra trundles for mothers after difficult circumstances.

“A lot of moms, some really traumatized or scared they’re in a different environment, they’ll be able to sleep with their 2-year-old,” Lee said. “(The beds) will help with different sizes. … These (units) will also have flooring, not concrete. I’m not sure I can keep them shiny and polished.”

The buildings will use passive solar electric systems and while she said the builder asked to cut down on windows, she said she asked for more windows to increase positive atmospheres to help the clients. There will also be a kennel and storage units for clients to bring their personal items and added fencing around its perimeter.

“We’re making this as secure as we can,” she said.

Lee said the goal is to help the shelter feel like a home to the clients who stay on a temporary basis.