Domestic violence program building new shelter in Johnson County

IOWA CITY — The Domestic Violence Intervention Program is building a new emergency shelter in Johnson County for victims of intimate partner violence.

Groundbreaking for the new $6 million facility is anticipated for early May, the organization said in a news release Tuesday. The new shelter will nearly double the capacity of the current facility, which was built in 1993.

“DVIP’s current emergency shelter is at capacity 365 days each year and has been every day since the organization began in 1979,” the news release said.

The current emergency shelter has 40 beds, and the new shelter will have at least 70 beds, with space that is adaptable if needed, said Alta Medea-Peters, DVIP’s director of community engagement.

The new shelter will be about 25,000 to 30,000 square feet, with an additional 30,000 square feet for storage and staff offices.

"We are grateful to be moving forward with this new shelter to provide a safe haven for victim/survivors of domestic violence," DVIP executive director Kristie Fortmann-Doser said in a statement, adding the demand for emergency shelter services has continued to increase.

"In the past five years, DVIP has served 38 percent more victim-survivors,“ Fortmann-Doser said. ”It is vital for us to meet the increased need and update our space to provide the best possible services to those most vulnerable in our community.”

The facility will be a safe and secure space for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and human trafficking. There will be “state-of-the art security measures” at the new facility to ensure safety for residents, staff and volunteers.

DVIP does not announce the location of its shelters.

Medea-Peters said safety and security has been part of the agency’s history over the last 43 years. This new facility, she said, will have more technology, increased security in the parking area and additional staff.

The new shelter will have private suites, communal spaces and resources and services to help victims and their children.

Trained staff will be on-site 24/7 to provide counseling, support and advocacy services.

DVIP will maintain both emergency and comprehensive services while the new shelter is being built, Medea-Peters said.

After the new shelter is built and residents are moved in, DVIP will begin convert the shelter to another use.

“We will be excited to share as that phase approaches, but right now our energy is focused on the new shelter. But we will continue to operate and utilize the space that we have,” Medea-Peters said.

To date, 70 percent of the $6 million project is funded, Medea-Peters said. Individuals interested in making a donation can do so online or reach out to Medea-Peters at alta@dvipiowa.org.

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