Refuge House, the domestic violence program serving the Big Bend, is trying to expand. The program has begun a capital campaign to expand its beds and services.
Its executive director says she’s seen the violence increase over the course of her career.
Executive Director Emily Mitchem says many victims get the chance to make a new life thanks to a place at the shelter. But the worst job in this day and age, she says, is answering a hotline and having to tell someone in danger that there’s no room for them.
“There was a quote in the newspaper from one of the 211 hotline advocates that said they’d rather take a suicide call than a housing call any day," Mitchem said. "And I can agree that our staff would say the same thing. It’s just heart-breaking to hear the stories and what people are having to do just to be housed and to try to be safe. And try to to keep their kids safe.”
Mitchem says many people are able to make a new life thanks to a place at the shelter and its transitional housing program.
“It’s really demonstrated the success we’ve found and how to make that happen," she said. "A lot of our participants in the transitional housing program, they go get certifications from Lively, they go to TCC, they go to FSU, they go to FAMU. People start their own businesses, they take the time they’re in there to get businesses up and running…”
Refuge House estimates that every month, it turns away about 100 women and children who are fleeing family violence because the shelter is full.
