PORT TOWNSEND — The Dove House project has been given wings, and the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Program of Jefferson County will have a new home soon.
The victim advocate organization, which has received more than $2 million in donations for Dove House, broke ground Thursday morning with an applause from the 50 people gathered at the corner of 10th and Cleveland streets in Port Townsend.
When completed later this year, the Dove House will house the agency’s offices, as well as serve as a transitional housing between the emergency shelter in Port Townsend — which has a 90-day limit for residents — and a more permanent solution in the area.
The house will serve as a four-unit home, with space for 16 adults and children who are seeking refuge from violence.
It also will serve as a location for individual and group counseling and support, legal advocacy, vocational and educational mentoring and scholarships, budgeting and financial management workshops, case management to help them find permanent housing needs.
The new building is substantially different from the emergency shelter — which is in an unknown location — in that the Dove House will be very visible on the corner near the Jefferson Healthcare hospital.
“It’s unfortunate we need a facility like this in Port Townsend, but we do,” said Port Townsend Mayor Michelle Sandoval, who spoke at the ceremony.
“Not only is this a step to help victims, but also this is educating everyone by having the building be so visible.
“That is an important part of this.”
Jefferson County Commissioner Phil Johnson agreed.
“When I was young and growing up in Jefferson County, there was no domestic violence,” Johnson said.
“That is because it was all hidden behind closed doors.
“This is a great opportunity to show the community that this does exist.”
Two-year stays
Dove House will allow those in need to stay for up to two years in a safe, affordable housing complex.
Cheryl Bozarth, director of the program, said the project addresses the critical shortage of affordable housing in the area, which forces some people back into an abusive situation.
“The vision for Dove House is to be a one-stop location for victims of crime,” she said.
“We have focused on domestic violence and sexual assault over the years, but we want to serve victims of all crimes here.
“This project is bringing that goal to reality.”
The Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Program expects to help six to eight additional families each year in the four housing units.
For more information, phone the program at 360-385-5291 or see www.dvsajeffco.org.
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com
