Tulsa-based Domestic Violence Intervention Services announces it is building new facilities.
Lee Eslicker, co-chair of DVIS' ReBUILDING Lives capital campaign, says the current shelter is 28 years old and no longer adequate.
"The time has come to build a new shelter and transitional housing that will allow DVIS to serve more clients and house them in a place that is safe and secure and allow them to rebuild their lives," Eslicker said.
The new shelter will have 30 more beds as well as living areas to accommodate male clients. The transitional living apartments will increase from 13 units to 20.
DVIS plans to open the facilities within the next year, but they will need help to do it.
The organization has launched a $22 million capital campaign to fund the facilities. So far, the organization has raised $16.3 million.
Executive Director Tracey Lyall says there is a plan for raising the last $5.7 million.
"We do have a list of prospects that we'll begin talking with over the next several months and are hopeful that the rest of the community will support the project and help us finish the campaign," Lyall said.
Last month, a DVIS request for $2 million in federal funds was denied by a city committee.
DVIS is inviting the community to support the new shelter by signing a beam that will be used in its construction. The beam will be at 4300 S Harvard Ave. from noon to 4 p.m. on March 13.
