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Refuge House seeks expanded shelter and trauma-focused services as domestic-violence need grows
Summary
Refuge House, the certified domestic violence services provider for Leon and surrounding counties, told commissioners its shelter and transitional housing are operating at capacity and announced plans to expand with a new, trauma-informed multi-generational facility; the presentation requested ongoing county support as planning continues.
Refuge House, the certified domestic and sexual violence services provider for Leon County and seven surrounding counties, told the Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday that demand for emergency shelter is rising and the nonprofit is planning a major expansion.
Emily Mitchum, executive director of Refuge House, said the organization has provided domestic-violence services in the community for more than 45 years and is seeing an increase in the number and complexity of cases. Mitchum said the current emergency shelter has about 23 beds and transitional housing is consistently full, forcing some survivors and children to remain in unsafe situations or to become homeless.
Mitchum described worsening trauma among survivors and children, including higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder and sensory-processing disorders. She said the organization has worked for two years with Architects Lewis & Whitlock on a donated design for a new, transformative housing facility that would more than double immediate bed capacity and provide child-focused trauma-healing, case management and supports designed to improve long-term outcomes.
"The goal of this project is not only to provide safe shelter, but to offer comprehensive services that will heal childhood trauma, build resilience in children, and set mothers up for success upon departure," Mitchum said.
Refuge House outlined the project concept but did not seek a specific vote or funding action at the meeting. Mitchum said the nonprofit would welcome county collaboration and pledged to share progress as planning and fundraising continue.
Following the presentation, commissioners and staff thanked Refuge House for the work and noted the county's broader focus on homelessness and services for vulnerable populations. Later in the meeting, a motion passed asking staff to examine whether a proposed sheriff's HOST position (a sheriff-funded outreach post) could include a percentage of duties devoted specifically to homeless women and girls should the sheriff fund the position in his budget request.
Refuge House said it will continue design and fundraising activity and will report back to commissioners as the project advances.
