Transitions Family Violence Services asks for help repairing emergency shelter after flood

Daily Press (Newport News, VA)

Dec. 10--A sprinkler system flooded an emergency shelter in early November, rendering it uninhabitable for people fleeing domestic violence on the Peninsula.

Transitions Family Violence Services uses the shelter, which is at an undisclosed location, to provide a free and confidential "trauma-informed supportive environment focused on healing" for adults and their children who live in Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson and York County. It gives survivors access to services like counseling and safety planning, along with other community resources.

Residents and staff evacuated the shelter as water from the sprinklers drenched personal belongings and filled the halls, according to a letter written by Executive Director Sanu Dieng. No one was injured.

The walls, floors and ceilings had to be gutted and the furnishings were thrown away because of moisture damage and the risk of mold, Dieng said. The people staying in the shelter, which can provide services for 23 people, were moved to temporary housing. Transitions continues to provide emergency shelter at safe houses throughout the community.

"We know how much courage it takes a survivor to leave or make that call, therefore we are vested in responding and helping despite our circumstance," Dieng said.

The goal is to raise $25,000. Donations will help rebuild parts of the shelter that were not covered by insurance, replace pipes and plumbing and furnish the children's playroom. They will also help with the cost of temporary shelter spaces, food, transportation and other basic needs until the shelter is repaired. It is expected to reopen in February 2020.

To donate furnishings, building materials or labor to assist with the rebuild, contact Sanu Dieng at 757-722-2261 or email Regina Johnson at [email protected] for list of needs. Transitions has established a GoFundMe for monetary donations gf.me/u/w4rq8f.