Domestic Violence Resource Center says new $31 million campus will quadruple shelter capacity; groundbreaking Nov. 4
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Summary
The Domestic Violence Resource Center told the Washoe County Board it has raised $29.9 million toward a $31 million goal for a 43,000-square-foot campus that includes shelter and wraparound services; officials invited commissioners to a Nov. 4 groundbreaking and said the facility is expected to open in 2027.
The Domestic Violence Resource Center (DVRC) updated Washoe County commissioners Oct. 28 on fundraising and construction plans for a new shelter and resource campus that organizers say will expand local capacity for survivors.
"We have raised $29,900,000 toward our $31,000,000 goal, and we're building a 43,000 square foot resource center with on-site shelter," said Kristen Kennedy, executive director of the Domestic Violence Resource Center. She said the new facility will "quadruple our community's capacity to shelter individuals and their children fleeing violence."
Kennedy told the board the project will provide on-site wraparound services that will reduce reliance on motel placements when shelter space is unavailable. She said the organization will break ground Nov. 4 at 11 a.m. and expects the shelter to open in 2027. Kennedy invited commissioners to attend the Nov. 4 ceremony.
Why it matters: Washoe County commissioners and public speakers emphasized domestic violence as a continuing community concern. Kennedy noted local statistics presented in public comment showing increases in aggravated assaults driven largely by domestic incidents in Reno and Sparks, and stressed that more shelter beds and comprehensive services aim to reduce traumatic outcomes for survivors.
Commissioners acknowledged the update and congratulated the organization on the fundraising progress. Chair Alexis Hill and County Manager Kate Thomas both indicated support; Hill noted some commissioners would try to attend the groundbreaking.
What was not specified: Kennedy provided a project timeline and fundraising totals but did not provide a precise construction budget breakdown in the public comment. She said community partners would deliver services on site but did not list specific partner organizations in the comments.
Next steps: Groundbreaking is scheduled for Nov. 4 at 11 a.m.; the DVRC expects the facility to open in 2027 and will provide additional public updates as fundraising completes and construction progresses.
