Campaign for Gwinnett County's Safe House

The Lilburn Woman's Club is partnering with the Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV).

Specifically, the group is working to raise money for the Gwinnett County Safe House.

Here are a few things to know about the county's only shelter for domestic violence survivors and why it is working on a $4.4 million capital campaign.

1. Why a focus in Gwinnett County?

Georgia is ranked sixth in the nation for the rate at which men kill women in domestic violence. From 2003-2010 in Gwinnett County, there were more known cases of of domestic-related deaths than any other county in Georgia.

2. What's the background of the shelter?

PADV has had a safe house in Gwinnett County for 25 years to help ensure victims of domestic abuse have a place to go to. It is the only state-certified domestic violence shelter in the county.

3. What are some of the statistics?

Each year, approximately 260 women and children receive emergency shelter and services at the safe house. In recent years, there has been a 150-percent increase in Gwinnett County clients. This growth, in part, has meant the need for a new site.

4. What is the cost of the new site?

After research, PADV decided on a new location in the county. Using a community development block grant of $1.63 million, the organization was able to purchase a new site.

5. Why does PADV need the community's help?

Although the building structure is complete, the inside needs work. The organization needs furniture, fixtures, equipment and more. That's why the $4.42 million campaign was launched.

6. What is the breakdown of the $4.4 million campaign?

Property acquisition: $1.5 million; construction costs: $1.9 million; furnishings and equipment: $250,000; vans for transporting clients: $35,000; operating start-up costs for new facility: $300,000; building maintenance endowment: $200,000; and contingency and project costs: $200,000.

7. What will be some of the amenities of the new site?

The 13,400-square-foot facility will have 12 bedrooms that will serve 50 to 55 women. This increases the safe house's capacity by 50 percent. A kitchen, computer lab, youth and play areas, counseling rooms, and a gated entrance are also among the features.

8. Where is the Gwinnett County safe house located?

For obvious reasons, that information is confidential.

9. How do people give to the campaign?

Contact PADV at 404-870-9600 to learn more about the campaign and ways you can help. Residents may also attend the Lilburn Woman's Club's "Tea & Trunk Show" on Sept. 15. Proceeds go to PADV.

10. How do you volunteer with PADV?

There are several volunteer opportunities available, including crisis line volunteer, support group facilitators, and more. For more information, click here.