Voice of the Mid-Columbia | Kennewick, Pasco and Richland, Wash. |
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closeFriday, Nov. 06, 2009
Funds being raised for Pasco domestic violence safe house
By Sara Schilling, Herald staff writer
A safe house for victims of domestic violence could open in Pasco as early as next fall.
The Pasco Police Department's domestic violence response unit and the nonprofit Jericho Road Ministries in Richland are teaming up to plan and raise money for the facility.
Representatives from the groups "have identified that there's a need in this community for more shelter space for domestic violence victims," said Amy Schultz, executive director of Jericho Road, which helps people in crisis.
The Tri-Cities already has a domestic violence shelter, but it can't serve everyone who needs help, Schultz said.
Domestic abuse is a problem in the community. In Pasco alone, there were more than 1,100 calls to police about domestic situations last year, said Kim Keltch, coordinator of the police department's domestic violence services.
There were children present in more than 400 of those incidents, she said. Keltch is working with Schultz on the safe house.
Plans still are in the early stages, but it looks as if the facility would have room for 15 to 18 people, Schultz said.
It'll help not only people who are abused by an intimate partner, such as a spouse, but also those hurt by other relatives or roommates.
The safe house will connect victims and their families with resources in the community and provide education, Schultz said.
Schultz and Keltch have identified a potential site in Pasco but weren't yet ready to release details. The safe house will be open to people from throughout the Tri-Cities, Schultz said.
The women have applied for grants and are spreading the word in the community. They're also putting together an advisory board.
Their work got a boost Thursday with a $600 donation from Studio 64 in Pasco. The salon sold purple hair extensions last month to raise money for the safe house. Purple is the color used to promote domestic violence awareness.
People interested in donating to the safe house project can call Jericho Road Ministries at 627-0750.
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