Shelly Stayer Shelter breaks ground

The Shelter is excited to announce that on May 23, 2019 ground was broken on the Shelly Stayer Shelter for Victims of Human Trafficking & Domestic Violence on 5.6 acres of property in Immokalee.

Because site work began out of season, the groundbreaking was small (just Shelly Stayer and her husband Ralph) but very poignant. Click on the video above to view a message from Shelly and some amazing drone footage provided by our contractor, Build, LLC. Representatives of Build estimate construction will take approximately one year. An official Grand Opening and Commemoration Ceremony is being planned for spring 2020.

We are grateful for the financial and community support that is making this dream a reality that will save and transform many lives for generations to come. To date, the RISE Campaign has raised over $10 million of its $18.1 million goal. There is more to be done, and we are grateful for the community support. Please help us spread the word in the community. This 21,500 foot, 58-bed shelter will bring hope and healing to thousands of survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.

The project began in October 2016, when longtime Shelter supporter and former board member Shelly Stayer provided a $3 million lead gift for the facility, which will feature three main areas: a section to accommodate the long-term therapeutic needs of victims of human trafficking; a section to shelter victims of domestic abuse; and a section dedicated to Immokalee outreach. The “team” that will bring the Shelly Stayer Shelter to fruition includes architect David Corban, contractor BUILD, LLC and landscape architect Ellin Goetz, of Goetz & Stropes Landscape Architects.

CLICK HERE for more information on how you can become a part of this amazing new shelter, or call The Shelter at 239.775.3862.