PORT TOWNSEND — A $29,578 donation from Port Townsend Rotary to Dove House Advocacy Services will be used to rehabilitate the shelter for domestic violence survivors.
“This is a very generous community, but I don’t think we’ve ever received anything this generous before,” said Dee Dee Spann, the director of programs and services at Dove House.
The money was raised by the Rotary Club during its annual “Fund a Cause” campaign, according to Susan Whitmire, the club’s incoming president.
Whitmire presented the check to Spann at the club meeting Tuesday.
The money will be put into use immediately, Spann said.
“We need to refurbish the shelter because it’s getting a little old and tired,” Spann said.
“We need new counters and floors and [to] address some safety issues, such as the windows that aren’t strong enough to keep people out.”
Dove House is a registered provider of emergency shelter, advocacy and therapy services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. It also is a crime victim service center.
Offices are at 1045 10th St. The shelter’s location is confidential.
The shelter can hold up to 16 people at a time, including children, Spann said.
Once domestic violence survivors leave the shelter and begin to put their lives together, they participate in a 10-week class about financial responsibility taught by Whitmire.
“Some of these ladies have never learned how to balance a checkbook, plan a budget or even go on a short trip,” Whitmire said.
“We’ve seen some success, and four or five of the class’ graduates have gone on to purchase their own homes.”
Dove House has a $560,000 budget that covers emergency shelter and food, client support services, therapy, advocacy and transportation, and is supported by federal and state grants along with contributions, Spann said.
For more information, visit Dove House or call 360-385-5291, which is also the 24-hour crisis line.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.