Shelly Stayer Shelter update

The Shelter is excited to announce that on May 23, 2019 Shelly Stayer was joined by her husband Ralph as they broke ground on the Shelter for Victims of Human Trafficking & Domestic Violence in Immokalee, FL. Because site work began out of season, the groundbreaking was small (just Shelly and Ralph) but very poignant. You can view a short video, including some amazing drone footage, by clicking on the photo above. Our builder, Build LLC, estimates construction will take approximately one year, so an official Grand Opening and Commemoration Ceremony of the Shelly Stayer Shelter is being planned for Spring 2020.

Earlier in the year, zoning for new shelter was unanimously approved by the Collier County Planning Commission and the Collier County Board of Commissioners.

In October 2016, The Shelter announced plans for the new emergency shelter following a $3 million lead gift from long-time Shelter supporter Shelly Stayer. The new 21,500-square-foot, 58-bed shelter will be constructed on 5.6 acres in Immokalee, FL. Designed by Naples architect David Corban, the facility 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.

Since the announcement of launch, The Shelter has worked diligently to build on Shelly’s generous gift through the RISE Campaign. To date, over $10 million has been raised toward the campaign’s final goal of $18.1 million.

Rounding out the “team” that will bring the Shelly Stayer Shelter to fruition is contractor BUILD, LLC and landscape architect Ellin Goetz, of Goetz & Stropes Landscape Architects.

In June 2018, Linda and members of The Shelter’s Communications Committee traveled to Immokalee to meet with community leaders (see photos below). The group received a warm welcome from the Immokalee Chamber of Commerce, Immokalee Sheriff’s Substation, the Guadalupe Center, Boys & Girls Club, representatives of Lipman Family Farms and the Seminole Casino Hotel. The group also visited the 5.6-acre parcel, the location of which is undisclosed for reasons of confidentiality.