Gateway needs a new facility so that it can continue to effectively meet the safety and support needs of women and children fleeing domestic violence. The shelter was built in 1984. Since that time, the community’s population has grown from 80,278 to 202,148 people.

The current lease expires on December 31, 2020, and Gateway must relocate before that time. Additionally, the demand for shelter space has increased significantly in recent years, requiring Gateway to overcrowd the shelter and book hotel rooms for families. During the 12-month period from July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019, Gateway housed an average of 20 people per night in the 18-bed emergency shelter.

Gateway’s current goal is to raise $3 million dollars. As of December 2019, Gateway has raised just over $2.5 million. Gateway has purchased land, developed plans and plans to break ground in 2020. The new facility will be near public transportation and employment opportunities for clients. When this new facility is finished, Gateway will increase its capacity in the emergency shelter from eight bedrooms to 12 bedrooms and will increase its transitional housing program from 10 apartments to 12 apartments.