For Immediate Release
January 19, 2007
9:00 AM

Contact:    Rick Liebel
                Public Relations and Development Director
                (814) 455-1774 Ext. 234
                (814) 881-6530 cell

SafeNet Begins the Expansion of its Domestic
Domestic Violence Shelter

In December, SafeNet broke ground on the expansion of its Domestic Violence Shelter known as Hospitality House. The renovation and expansion of Hospitality House is critically needed to ease the overcrowding and better serve the regional victims of Domestic Violence. According to SafeNet's Executive Director, "Severe cuts in government funding have taken their toll in recent years and put a major strain on our resources. Domestic Violence is a major problem within our community and it is not going away; it's a community issue with dire and deadly effects. We must do all we can to comfort and lessen the damage of these victims." Hospitality House was built over 30 years ago to handle a family of 5, but it now houses as many as 28 people. The overcrowding in our shelter, which on any given day may include as many as 20 children who have been uprooted from their homes, impacts our ability to provide the best service and crisis resolution we can for each family member. Our $350,000 renovation to our shelter and 2,875 square foot construction is expected to be completed by this summer.

SafeNet is not a homeless shelter, but a safe and confidential place specifically for men, women and children who are victims of domestic violence.  From every city and township in the area, victims come to SafeNet seeking Shelter, safety and support from physical abuse and threats of violence occurring at home.  After more than 30 years of providing shelter and many other supportive services, SafeNet knows first-hand that there is hope.

MEDIA NOTE: Because of the privacy of our clients, please call Rick Liebel for location of our expansion.

For interviews with SafeNet's Executive Director or any staff member of SafeNet, contact Rick Liebel, Public Relations and Development Director at 455-1774 extension 234 or email at rliebel@safeneterie.org.