United Way Establishes “AVENUES New Beginnings Fund” to Support Displaced Clients and Rebuilding Efforts
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Hannibal, Mo – United Way of the Mark Twain Area announced today the creation of the AVENUES New Beginnings Fund, a new, temporary fund to provide immediate housing and relocation assistance to clients affected by the recent closure of the AVENUES domestic and sexual violence shelter. The fund will be administered by the United Way Community Coordinated Response Team.
The AVENUES Board of Directors made the difficult decision to close the shelter temporarily due to health and safety concerns within the current facility. AVENUES continues to be a vital resource for survivors in our community and will continue providing outreach and advocacy services. In response to the temporary closure,United Way has established this fund to ensure the individuals who were staying at the shelter have a safe place to go and the support they need to rebuild their lives.
United Way’s Community Coordinated Response Team, including AVENUES board and staff members,began case management with clients of AVENUES who were staying at the shelter upon the announcement ofits closure and will continue to work on-site until every client is relocated to a safe place. AVENUES will also continue its outreach services with these individuals.
The AVENUES New Beginnings Fund will provide direct financial assistance to help clients secure housing,cover moving costs, and access essential programs. It will also be used to facilitate transportation to other shelters or safe locations as needed.
“Our priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of every single person who was in the AVENUES shelter,” said Denise Damron, Executive Director of United Way. “This fund gives us the financial backing to help clients secure housing, cover transportation costs, and more. It is our community’s way of stepping up tosupport survivors of domestic and sexual violence. We will not let the closure of this shelter result in these survivors falling through the cracks or having to return to their abusers.”
The fund’s mission extends beyond immediate relief. All remaining dollars will be directed towardAVENUES’ long-term goal of opening a new, permanent shelter which has been in the works for a few years. This new facility will allow the organization to continue its crucial work and provide a renewed sense of security and hope for the community.
Maggie Strong, Interim Executive Director of AVENUES, commented, “The United Way’s support is atestament to the strength of our community. This fund will not only provide immediate aid for our clients but also gives us a clear path forward to build a new, modern facility that will serve survivors for generations to come.”
Community members are urged to donate to the AVENUES New Beginnings Fund to support these efforts.
How to Donate: Donations can be made online at https://unitedwaymta.harnessgiving.org/campaigns/18820or by mailing a check to United Way at PO Box 81 Hannibal, Mo 63401. Please indicate “AVENUES New Beginnings Fund” in the memo.
For questions, please reach out to Denise Damron, Executive Director of United Way at 573-221-2761.
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