The announcement kicked off a public campaign to build six transitional housing units for victims of domestic abuse. Transitional housing is a home in which women and children can live rent-free for about six months while saving up money for their own place. "This is one of the most life-changing resources that we offer to families. Gateway currently has three transitional apartments.
These units stay full 365 days a year and remain at 100% occupancy. The need for more space is critical," said Jessica Butler, executive director of Gateway.
In addition, Gateway provides support groups and short-term emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence (women and children) currently in Hall County and has done so since 1982.
During recent strategic planning sessions, the Gateway Board decided to make it a priority to add more transitional housing. Then, as the plan started to take shape, Gateway found community partners to help achieve the goal of expanding their transitional housing. The campaign is called the POWER OF WE because it has become a community-wide initiative.
During the unveiling of the campaign, various community partners shared their part in the vision. Steve Cornelison of the Hope Foundation of the Gainesville Kiwanis Club noted that the club originally owned a piece of property that was to be used to build housing for homeless families with young children in Hall County. Over time and through their own transition, the land has now been pledged to the Gateway project.
Habitat for Humanity will partner to take on the labor part of the project and build the transitional housing. Dee Ann Whitenton, of Habitat Hall County said, "As an agency that is committed to providing decent housing to people who need it, this project also aligned with Habitat's mission."
The goal to build, furnish, and endow the new transitional housing has a price tag. Gateway's goal is to raise $1 million by the end of 2012. To date, the effort has raised $465,000 in cash and in-kind gifts.
In addition to 100% participation from Gateway's board of directors, Gateway has received substantial support from the Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County and the women's ministry of First Baptist Church. As Gerran Syfan of the Gainesville Hall County Junior League reported, a year ago, Gateway was awarded the Junior League's Signature Grant.
In the fall, First Baptist Church held its Hearts and Hands Emporium and Gateway was the beneficiary. Jenny Burns of First Baptist said she was pleased that the financial goal for the Emporium exceeded their expectations and they were able to give more to the project.
Butler said, "This is a community-wide initiative like none other. That's why we've called our project the 'POWER OF WE.' Together, as a community, we can raise the funds to build housing that abuse victims in our community need." She said that when these units are complete, 12 families would benefit from the housing each year.
Gateway supporter Jim Walters looks at the plans for the transitional housing
l to r: Jenny Burns, First Baptist Church Hearts and Hands Emporium; Gerran Syfan, Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County; Susan Hosford, co-chair of the Power of We Campaign; Steve Cornelison, Gainesville Kiwanis Cub; Jessica Butler, Executive Dir
Gateway and community partners unveil the "Power of We"
http://accesswdun.com/article/2012/2/245646