New shelter gives hope to domestic abuse victims
BY MICHELLE START Florida Weekly Correspondent

Victims of domestic abuse and their children in need of long term, transitional housing could soon have a new option available.

Mary's House of Hope, a local non-profit, is hoping to have a 10-bedroom duplex built in Fort Myers by Christmas.

"We have shelters, but they are shortterm," said founder Wanda Hurt. "They're able to stay there two or three weeks, sometimes four."

She said once women leave a shelter, they frequently return to abusive relationships.

"This will give mothers and their children the ability and the time to set goals for themselves and establish self-sufficiency," Hurt said. "This program is about the mothers empowering themselves."

The families will be able to live in the House of Hope for two years, time enough to further their education and save up money for housing.

Hurt has been talking with Edison College, Florida Gulf Coast University, International College - now known as Hodges University, a beauty school and some people within the construction field about helping these women rebuild their lives.

Children living there will be offered a variety of classes, including art, music, dance and theater.

"We're getting ready to build it," Hurt said. "We're in phase one. We're in the permitting process right now. The builders are saying the men will be there at night and on the weekends. It will be like an old-fashioned barn-raising."

She said donations of cash and supplies have provided 78 percent of the estimated $400,000 needed to construct the duplex.

"We also need a few more bunk beds and single beds," Hurt said.

In an effort to raise the remainder of the money, Mary's House of Hope is holding a breakfast at High Point condos in downtown Fort Myers from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Sept. 15. The cost is $25 per person. Reservations can be made by calling (239) 878-3702.

The charitable organization is also building a dream home in Cape Coral that will be auctioned off. Tickets for that cost $100. more information

>>For more information, go online to www.maryshouseofhope.org Donations can be also be mailed to: Mary's House of Hope 1104 S.E. 12th Ave. Cape Coral, FL33990