FORT WALTON BEACH — This week, Shelter House, a domestic and sexual violence center, closed on the purchase of a building that will house its program office.
The Fort Walton Beach property will be home to the agency’s Outreach program and administrative personnel.
A $125,000 grant from Impact 100, as well as a $50,000 commitment from the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, made the purchase possible, a spokesperson said.
Hurlburt Field’s Red Horse Squadron and St. Peter Catholic Church in Mary Esther have pledged volunteers to assist with renovations on the building, which begin this month, a spokesperson said.
“Many people are familiar with our emergency shelter, which houses more than 400 women and children each year,” said Shelter House Executive Director Michelle Sperzel. “However, we serve an additional 1,000 survivors of domestic and sexual violence annually through our program office. Those people could be living on their own, staying with a friend, spending time in our shelter or, in many cases, still living with their abuser.
"This new building will enable us to serve more people in a safe, nurturing environment.”
After moving to the new building in April, Shelter House will hold an open house and 30th anniversary party.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Shelter House buys building for program office