Bloom for Women asks county to consider funding repairs at 100‑year‑old Jasmine House

Denoli Rollins, vice chair of the board of Bloom for Women, told the Northampton County committee on Nov. 6 that the organization operates a two‑year residential program called Jasmine House and is seeking county consideration for repairs to an aging facility.

Rollins described Bloom’s mission as providing sanctuary and a continuum of care for survivors of trafficking and exploitation, including services for residents with substance use disorders. She said Jasmine House provides free residential care for up to two years and supports residents with case management, counseling, life skills and workforce development.

Rollins said the Jasmine House building is “more than 100 years old” and needs significant updates to improve safety and function. She told the committee that one of three bathrooms is currently out of service, which has reduced the house’s resident capacity from 10 to 6. She said the kitchen has not been renovated since the 1960s and that an unfinished multipurpose room needs completion to restore full programming and capacity.

Rollins listed expected outcomes if renovations proceed: restoring capacity from 6 to 10 residents, improving safety and accessibility, creating more programming space, and supporting long‑term stability and independence for survivors. She declined to provide exact addresses publicly for safety reasons but said Bloom operates homes in Bethlehem and Bangor and a facility in Allentown that serves mothers and children.

Commissioner Jeff Warren thanked Bloom for Women and emphasized that human trafficking occurs across communities, not only in urban centers. Committee members did not vote on any motion during the presentation; Rollins asked for the county’s consideration of the organization’s proposal.