ROCHESTER, Minn.- The Women’s Shelter and Support Center has purchased an eight acre parcel of land in the Rochester area to expand its housing and other services in Southeast Minnesota to meet a growing need.
According to Artyce Thomas, executive director of the shelter, the new expansion comes after rising rates of domestic abuse in the region following the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thomas said the new expansion will more than double the amount of housing the shelter can provide for women and their families fleeing domestic abuse, from the 30 rooms it has already to a total of 75 to 80 rooms once the expansion is finished.
The new additions will include both pod style single rooms and family sized apartments as well as kennels for family pets.
The purchase of the new expansion was funded in part by shelter capital funds awarded to shelter by the state of Minnesota, to facilitate meeting the growing demand.
“We’ve seen an increase in requests for assistance with filling orders of protection and harassment orders. In addition to that we’ve seen an increase in requests for assistance with rent and other housing issues. So we’re really happy to be able to address those issues.
Thomas said construction for the project is expected to begin sometime in the late summer or early fall, with the expansion hopefully opening its doors by the end of the year 2024.
Those looking to flee a domestic violence can contact the shelter at its 24-hour crisis hotline at 507-285-1010 or visit its website to learn more.
