Group raising money for new domestic violence shelter in Iowa City

The Domestic Violence Intervention Program will host an “Opening Doors to Safety” celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Big Grove Iowa City.

Money raised will help pay for a new emergency shelter under construction for the survivors of domestic violence. The first 75 individuals to preregister at https://rb.gy/944qy will receive a special gift from Big Grove Brewery.

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"We are grateful to the countless donors that have supported this program so far," Alta Medea, the program’s director of community engagement, said in a statement.

Medea said the nonprofit is 16 percent shy of reaching its goal of $6 million.

The new shelter, which is on track to be completed about this time next year, will provide a safe and secure space for survivors of domestic abuse, dating abuse, stalking and human trafficking, according to a news release. Beyond adding beds, the new shelter will feature private suites for families, communal spaces and a variety of resources to meet the needs of victim-survivors and their children.

Medea said the new shelter will double the size of the current facility, which has been full to capacity every day since it was built in 1993.

In fiscal 2022, the program sheltered 368 individuals and diverted another 350 to 400 survivors to hotels or other programs locally and out of state, according to the release. Need continues to grow for emergency shelter as more victims reach out for support and resources, according to the program, which has seen a 38 percent increase in the number of victims serves since 2017.

The new building will be equipped with security measures to ensure the safety of residents, staff and volunteers. Trained staff will be on-site 24/7 to provide counseling, support, and advocacy services to victim-survivors and their families.

The Domestic Violence Intervention Program offers support, resource and safety to victims of domestic violence in an eight-county region that encompasses Cedar, Des Moines, Henry, Iowa, Johnson, Lee, Van Buren and Washington counties. Services include a hotline, safety planning, trauma-informed counseling and more. Individuals who need help should call 1-800-373-1043.

Comments: (319) 398-8499; tom.barton@thegazette.com