Safe Homes, a nonprofit that intervenes to stop domestic violence, serves hundreds of women each year in Augusta and nine surrounding counties. On Thursday, it launched the public phase of a $3 million capital campaign to reach even more women.
About 60 percent of the campaign’s goal, or $1.8 million, has been raised largely through corporate donations. The money will build a new center to house administrative offices and 36 beds to shelter women escaping violent situations, more than doubling the 16-bed shelter that has been used since Safe Homes began in Augusta 30 years ago.
More people are seeking help at SafeHomes because they are more aware that the organization exists to help. Safe Homes turned away 329 women and children in 2013.
The new building will have meeting space for teen dating classes and expanded programs for Spanish-speaking clients.