Organizers of the Emmaus House emergency shelter for battered
women and children have endured months of construction delays and
now say the project is
”
so close
”
to completion.
Organizers of the Emmaus House emergency shelter for battered women and children have endured months of construction delays and now say the project is “so close” to completion.
In December, optimism floated throughout the project’s 12-member board as organizers at the time said the shelter was on the verge of opening. However, dwindled finances stalled the project, which is wholly financed by donations.
After a dinner-dance fundraiser in March brought in $10,000, David Rodriguez, Emmaus House board member and pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Hollister, said work on the kitchen and landscaping outside are the final tasks. He said the fundraiser showed there is “great support” in the community.
“We’re patient,” Rodriguez said. “God is teaching us patience.”
Work on the 6,000-square-foot building at the corner of Sunnyslope and Valley View roads began in 2000. Planning for the Emmaus House actually began seven years ago to address a growing need for services to battered women and children.
The facility will be open 24 hours a day to provide emergency shelter and counseling, legal assistance, referrals, emergency transportation, court and social advocacy and a crisis hotline for victims of domestic violence.
The County Victim Witness Program estimates more than 360 cases of spousal abuse per year in San Benito County. Many of the victims must drive to Salinas and Monterey for help.
“There’s a lot of need,” Rodriguez said. “People are suffering and they need help.”
Rodriguez has not set a timeline for opening the shelter. He said he hopes it will open within the next month. “It depends on donations,” he said.
Rodriguez said volunteers will staff the shelter until enough funding can be obtained for a paid staff.
