Crisis Center opens new SafeHouse

By CHERIL VERNON

PALESTINE — The public was able to take a peek inside The Crisis Center of Anderson and Cherokee Counties’ new 3,800 square foot SafeHouse Thursday following a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local officials and Crisis Center board members and staff.

“Within a week we should be fully staffed and ready for victims to be placed here,” Crisis Center executive director Donald Hammock said.

The SafeHouse, located next to the Crisis Center office at 313 W. Debard St. and across from the Palestine Police Department, was built with funds from a $2 million grant from the Swalm Foundation and donations from local groups and individuals. Furnishings inside the house were purchased with local donations or donated by Palestine area furniture stores. Donations are still needed to help pay for a $2 million bank note for the facility and to pay for regular operational costs. Donations of furniture for two bedrooms and a washer and dryer also are needed.

“We should be able to house 36 individuals,” Hammock said. “This is going to enhance our ability to serve our clients and the community by providing a safe refuge for them.”

Hammock said the former safe house was one third the size, old and in need of repairs.

“This facility should be maintenance free for many years to come and will have enough space to house victims and not have to send victims to other centers because of overcrowding,” Hammock said.

With a privacy fence, the facility features six large bedrooms and three baths. Each bedroom has a least four beds. There’s also two age-appropriate playrooms for children — one for younger children and one for the older kids. A fully functional kitchen can be used by the victims.

“Victims cook for their own family as a way to keep their independence and they wash their own clothes,” Hammock said. “We staff the SafeHouse 24/7 to assist the victims.”

The location — across from the Palestine Police Department — makes the new SafeHouse extra safe for the victims.

“We picked this location by the police department to be a deterrent to offenders,” Hammock said. “It’s an added level of security.”

Anderson County Sheriff Greg Taylor said the new facility is definitely an upgrade.

“I wish we didn’t have a need for a place like this, but we do,” Taylor said. “It’s such a blessing to have the great staff that is here. People need to feel safe and this will be good for the community.”

For Hammock, it all comes down to the support of the community.

“In order for an organization like this to be successful, it takes community involvement,” Hammock said. “Without the support of the community we could not succeed.”

The Crisis Center assists victims of child abuse, sexual assault and family violence through professional counseling, Safe Housing, protective order assistance, forensic interviewing, advocacy and additional services. All services are provided at no cost to the victim or supportive family members.

To reach the Crisis Center hotline, call 1-800-232-8579 or call the Crisis Center office in Palestine at 903-723-5858. Donations for the Crisis Center SafeHouse can be sent to: Crisis Center of Anderson and Cherokee Counties, 313 W. Debard St., Palestine, Texas, 75801.