Turning Points Network Shelter, Sullivan County NH
Striving to end all forms of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and stalking, Turning Points Network provides individual advocacy, empowerment, and shelter for victims and survivors, as well as education, outreach, and systems advocacy for the community. In 2000 I began working with this non-profit to evaluate an existing residence as an expanded shelter facility. The portion in use could only accommodate one family, but with ownership of the entire building, the number would increase to sixteen individuals. The building needed upgrades in utilities and security, a second code-compliant stair, a new kitchen and laundry, and accomodations for a shelter manager, as well as envelope improvements: new roofing and increased insulation and weatherization. Funding was raised over a period of six years through private donations, a community block grant, and a Justice Department grant, and the project was completed in the fall of 2006.