HomeAid Colorado Breaks Ground on 'Safe Shelter' for
Abused Women and Children

Denver, June 5, 2007 - For women suffering from domestic violence, the immediate priority is to seek alternative housing in a safe and discreet place. HomeAid Colorado, a non-profit that builds dignified housing for the temporarily homeless, is partnering with Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley to provide sanctuary for abused women and their children.

Since Longmont has the highest number of reported cases of domestic violence in Boulder County, the need for a modern, spacious facility is dramatic. When completed, the 6,000 square foot home in Longmont will house up to 25 women and children. Annually, the house will serve as many as 150 clients.

"We are excited to have this renewed opportunity to provide safety and security to the many women and children affected by domestic violence within our community," said Liz Smokowski, executive director of Safe Shelter. "Not only will we be able to help more clients, but providing modern amenities while they work toward self sufficiency will be a real benefit."

The new shelter would not become reality without generous donations of time and materials by several members of the building community. Olson Architecture of Niwot, an all-female firm, designed the plans for the house. Construction will be led by this project's builder captain, Harvey Bauer of 5 Star Construction.

"There is never a 'wrong time' to donate back to the community," says Bauer. "Despite any challenges the building industry is going through, it is important to recognize the need to be generous toward people who need a little help."

Safe Shelter was founded in 1978 in Longmont by a group of women concerned about the welfare of women and children in abusive situations. Today, it provides a comprehensive system of programs and services to address the needs of domestic violence victims, such as a 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter and legal advocacy.

"HomeAid is proud to bring together outstanding building companies such as the ones working on the new Safe Shelter house," said Tim Little, president of HomeAid Colorado. "This collaboration marks the first time HomeAid Colorado is building a shelter to benefit abused women and children. We see this as a monumental step toward reinforcing our mission to provide quality housing for the temporarily homeless."

The groundbreaking ceremony for Safe Shelter's new house will be held today at 11:30 a.m. at Roosevelt Park's Old Stone Shelter in Longmont. The public is encouraged to attend.

About HomeAid

HomeAid Colorado identifies reputable non-profit care providers for the homeless and matches them with a participating local "builder captain." The captain brings the in-kind resources of subcontractors, suppliers and consultants, and delivers quality housing for the temporarily homeless, who comprise approximately 90 percent of the homeless population. Since its inception in 2000, HomeAid Colorado has built 21 transitional homes and emergency shelters for homeless men, women and children across the state. Nationally, HomeAid is the leading non-profit provider of housing for the homeless.

For more information about HomeAid Colorado visit hacolo.org or call 303-691-0104.

For more information about Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley visit www.safeshelterorstvrain.org.