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Hey everyone, this is Sarah McDugal and Bella Hope Shiloh. We're generously hijacking the Refuge's GoFundMe because we want to share just how important this project is.
A BIT ABOUT US and WHY WE'RE DOING THIS
Sarah's the co-founder of Wilderness to WILD, and Bella's the author of Prisoners in the Shed. We're both trauma survivors who absolutely LOVE the Refuge and everything it provides for those who need a safe haven from abuse.
So... for Domestic Violence Awareness Month... we offered to take over the Refuge's GoFundMe page (and Tom agreed - not least because he hates asking people for money... which is something we are just fine doing on behalf of a cause we believe in)!
We're going to post updates with a bit about how the Refuge has impacted each of us, so make sure to watch for those! The short version is -- without the Refuge, we're not sure where either of us would be today.
A BIT ABOUT THE REFUGE
A few years ago, Tom and Martha leaped out in faith, putting a downpayment on a rundown former drug rehab center with ten bedrooms and ten bathrooms -- to create the Refuge. They didn't have the money for the balloon payment, but they trusted that if God wanted this to happen, the God would pay it off.
As of February 21, 2023, just days before the balloon payment was due -- this mortgage was paid in full!!!
Other projects which have been completed in the past year include:
- Bath / Shower Remodel- $5,000
- Room Remodel - All guest rooms are remodeled - $2,000
- Paint - $1,000
- Updated Water Heater - $500
- Roof Leak Repaired - $400
A BIT ABOUT HOW the REFUGE WORKS
Guests in crisis who come to stay at the Refuge are never charged, but the costs incurred are roughly $70 per day/per guest.
The Refuge needs a minimum of $2500/mo in donations, to be able to provide these services.
In 2023, the Refuge has had 3-5 guests at a time for much of the year. At the same time, inflation has caused a 40% increase in the cost of utilities and food has nearly doubled.
These have combined to drain reserve funds significantly.
In addition, water treatment for the ten-bathroom facility is a $120/mo on-going monthly expense.
A BIT ABOUT MORE NEEDS
In addition to the monthly costs of operation and guest support, the Refuge property has a number of development projects that are badly needed. While our goal for this phase is $55,000 to replenish operational reserves -- the additional improvement cost budget is at least $150,000.
Here are several future projects the Refuge will tackle one at a time:
- Retaining Wall - The hill behind the facility has a retaining wall that is disintegrating, needs drainage and concrete work. (Cost: $60k)
- Driveway & Parking Lot - The asphalt driveway and parking lot has huge gaps and holes that make it difficult to drive. These both need to be redone. (Cost: $30k minimum)
- Backup Generator - In Feb 2023, a 15" snowfall left the entire facility without electric for five days. We need a backup generator system installed. (Cost: $10k-$15k)
- Flooring - 5k sq ft of ancient flooring needs to be replaced. (Cost: $15k-$20k)
- Entryway - Before the flooring can be replaced, the entryway must be reconfigured for safety. (Cost: $10k)
- Office Remodel and Security System - Servers and cameras for AI-based security video system. (Cost: $10k)
- Conference Room Remodel - Building out audio/visual infrastructure for trainings, conferences, and events. This room will also serve as a family room for guests between events. (Cost: $10k-$25k)
- Heating and Air - Ductwork is ineffective in some wings of the facility. Also, the current heating and air system is outdated and inefficient, requiring rooms to be heated even when not in use. (Cost: TBD)
Right now -- our goal is to boost the Refuge's reserves, so that they are able to provide ongoing services for survivors in crisis for the rest of the year.
We can't think of any better way to spend October's Domestic Violence Awareness Month, than to support the Refuge as it provides shelter and protection and empowerment to survivors in desperate need.
