Anna Marie’s Alliance Breaks Ground On Final Phase Of Shelter Expansion

(KNSI) – Anna Marie’s Alliance broke ground on the final phase of its expansion Thursday afternoon.

The last part of the multi-year project is to convert living quarters at the domestic violence shelter from a dormitory setup to an apartment or hotel suite set-up. Board member Pam Bjerke believes it will better help families prepare for life after their stay at Anna Marie’s.

“When moms are coming in with their kids, they can make a meal with their family, they can do homework at the table, they can give their kids a bath in privacy, and they can really process their trauma in a respected space that they have to really heal as a family. And then to also practice the skills that they’re going to need as they’re transitioning out to independent living.”

Grant Dossetto/KNSI News

The work should be done by the end of 2024. The new capacity will bring with it operating challenges but Executive Director Charles Hempeck is confident that the organization has planned appropriately. It is upping its fundraising goals.

“Initially, it was $2.5 [million]. We had such success with it that we increased our overall opportunities to $3.25 million, and right now, we’re at $2.9 million of that goal. The additional was really about what we called an impact fund. That’s really to help fund the ongoing expense of the shelter’s expansion.”

Bjerke says the impact fund will also help fund improvements to what will be a larger courtyard area. She envisions it as a secure space where kids can play, circled by a walking path for exercise.

Guests are allowed to stay 45 days at the shelter. Up to ten percent can ask for an extension, doubling their potential time at Anna Marie’s Alliance to 90 days.

To give to the Coming Home Capital Campaign, visit here.

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