A planned emergency shelter in San Benito County for battered
women and children is nearing completion as organizers for the
Emmaus House said the facility should be completed in February.
A planned emergency shelter in San Benito County for battered women and children is nearing completion as organizers for the Emmaus House said the facility should be completed in February.
“We’re really close,” said David Rodriguez, pastor with the First Presbyterian Church and one of 12 Board of Directors for the project.
Construction of the 6,000-square-foot building at the corner of Sunnyslope and Valley View roads began in 2000. Rodriguez said its staff of volunteer contractors was “down to the finishing touches,” which include tile for bathrooms, kitchen appliances, flooring and fixtures.
However, Rodriguez said one deterrent remains that may prevent completion on schedule – dwindling funds for construction.
“I’m not exactly sure how much money we’ll need to finish,” Rodriguez said, adding an additional $20,000 would “surely” get the project completed.
Gary Byrne, Board member and a member of the Community Foundation of San Benito County, said the Board may hold a fundraiser in January, possibly through an open house at the facility.
Planning for the Emmaus House began seven years ago to address a growing need for services to battered women and children. The 24-hour facility will provide emergency shelter and counseling, legal assistance, referrals to victims of domestic violence, emergency transportation, court and social advocacy and a crisis hotline.
“The County Victim Witness Program estimates over 360 cases a year (dealing with abuse),” Rodriguez said.
In the past, those victims would be referred to shelters in Monterey, Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties, Rodriguez said.
The new shelter will provide a safe place to stay for up to 90 days. Through the years, local churches have often financed hotel rooms for many cases of abuse.
The name Emmaus House was an idea of Byrne’s, a former priest and one of the original Board members. It comes from a Biblical story featuring the town of Emmaus.
According to the Easter story about the resurrection of Jesus Christ – on Holy Saturday, the day after Jesus died, his disciples were walking to the town of Emmaus. They were talking with a strange man along the way. They didn’t realize it at first, but they were speaking with the resurrected Jesus Christ.
As of now, Rodriguez estimated $60,000 has been raised and spent for the project through donations, another $100,000 in additional construction donations and $50,000 in volunteer hours. Rodriguez said the Board has funds set aside but can use them only for programs.
Eleven others join Rodriguez on the Emmaus House Board, including Dr. Brian Lippincott from JFK University; the Rev. Richard Smith from St. Benedicts Church; the Rev. Joan Gardner from St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and the Rev. Hanna Peterson, an associate pastor at the First Presbyterian Church.
When services start, hopefully in February, they will staff Emmaus House with volunteers until grants can be obtained. Most of the volunteers will come from JFK University.
Rodriguez commended the volunteer effort and said most of the volunteers are people who have had direct experience with domestic violence, either as victims or having family members who were victims.
Byrne said he was not concerned about funding for completion of construction. He said the biggest challenges will occur when the doors open and referred to day-to-day expenses, such as heat and electricity.
“I’m very excited,” Byrne said. “It’s been a long haul, and people have been patient.”
Donations should be sent to Emmaus House, P.O. Box 1761, Hollister, CA 95024. For other questions, call Rodriguez at 637-4350.
