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Survivor testimony and shelter pitch: local nonprofit urges county backing for domestic‑violence hub
Summary
During public comment at the April 20 Sonoma County meeting, two speakers described personal experience of domestic violence and the need for immediate shelter capacity; the founder of Voices Against Domestic Violence proposed a phased, 60‑person hub and asked the Board and staff to help connect resources.
Two public commenters used the budget‑workshop meeting's non‑agenda comment period to press the Board for more domestic‑violence supports and to present a small shelter concept.
A resident who identified herself as Mikayla described how a flyer for Voices Against Domestic Violence in a rideshare vehicle helped her find help after escaping an abusive relationship. "That flyer stayed with me," she said, urging support for putting outreach and lifelines in places survivors will see them.
Clint Saunders, founder of Voices Against Domestic Violence, said he has built relationships with survivors and proposed a smaller near‑term shelter hub to serve about 60 people as a phase‑one launch. "I have another one for a smaller version to get started with, about 60 people, to help 60 people," Saunders told the Board. Chair Hermosillo and staff said they would follow up offline about nonprofit processes and the county's authority regarding facility proposals and officer appointments.
No board action was taken during the meeting; staff offered to connect Saunders with the district attorney’s office and nonprofit liaisons to discuss next steps outside the public meeting.
