Description:
The Shelter for Battered Women, operated by United Family Services, Inc., is the only domestic violence shelter in Mecklenburg County. Established in 1979, this aging, 29-bed facility can no longer meet the
growing demand for shelter and services in the county. Each year the shelter is turning away more and more women and children who are fleeing abusive situations. In 2003, an average of 18 women and children were turned away each month. By 2006, the monthly average had risen to 70 victims. Women and children without access to shelter and the specialized services to deal with domestic violence are at great risk of continued abuse. The current number of emergency shelter beds available for victims in Mecklenburg County is far below that of communities of comparable size, as well as in many smaller cities. In addition, no transitional housing exists in Mecklenburg County for survivors of domestic violence who need more time and support to successfully rebuild their lives away from abusive relationship; this is unusual for a community our size.
This study investigates the feasibility of creating new emergency and transitional housing options to relieve the domestic violence shelter crisis in Mecklenburg County. It: 1) establishes the need for additional beds; 2) identifies development, design and service needs for new shelter space and transitional housing; 3) suggests options to consider, offering examples of different models implemented elsewhere and advice from other shelters; 4) provides conceptual “ballpark”costs; 5) identifies potential funding opportunities and strategies; and 6) concludes with recommendations and next steps for more detailed planning. United Family Services requested funds from Mecklenburg County to undertake the study, which were approved by the Board of County Commissioners in its FY07 budget.
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