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Local nonprofit The Well Rockport outlines plan for shelter, transitional housing for survivors
Summary
The Well Rockport, a faith-based 501(c)(3) formed about a year ago, told commissioners it has provided emergency aid to local survivors, is raising funds for transitional housing and has received an initial $25,000 grant from Methodist Healthcare Ministries.
Representatives of The Well Rockport told the Aransas County Commissioners Court on April 21 they are building a local safe-haven program to serve survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and to reduce the need for victims to leave the Rockport area.
"We are a new organization that was created about a year ago. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit," Stephanie Simmons said during a presentation. She and board member Linda Coronado described services already provided and the organization’s next steps.
Coronado, who said she previously ran a crisis center in Hereford, told the court that in 2022 Aransas County had more than 150 reported domestic-violence cases and that many incidents go unreported. She said The Well began offering practical aid in June and that 18 callers have reached the group through its intake; five received emergency assistance, such as rental and transportation help and furniture.
"We want to keep them in the community," Simmons said, describing plans for counseling, job training, legal advocacy and transitional housing that would allow survivors to remain near local supports rather than relocate out of the county.
The Well reported direct aid of $2,350 in 2024 and $4,000 in in-kind donations. The group also said it received a $25,000 start grant from Methodist Healthcare Ministries and has applied for additional funding. The presenters asked the court and community to help spread awareness and noted that 62 percent of survivors report not leaving an abusive household because they cannot take a pet.
No formal vote was required; commissioners thanked the presenters and suggested local service referrals and coordination with other providers.
