It took four years, thousands of dollars and countless hours of volunteer work, but today the first-ever Franklin County Women's Shelter will welcome its first residents.

Shelter organizers and community members marked the occasion with a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration Tuesday night at the shelter's 303 E. Third St. location.

Jill Robinson, shelter board president, estimated approximately 75 people attended the opening of the building, which will house 11 women including one "self-contained" unit for a woman and up to four children.

"It's been a long time coming, we've been working for what seems like forever," Robinson told attendees.
Robinson said the project began with 40 people with a vision in 2004; she thanked local churches, organizations and community members for support and seeing the shelter to fruition.

"I think that we can together make a difference in a lot of people's lives in the community," she said.
Those at the grand opening toured the facility, which features four living units, three kitchens, a laundry room, two common areas for dining and a TV as well as four bathrooms.

The shelter has all-new tile flooring, fresh paint in neutral colors and includes a main office and space for ministers, police or other private meetings. One apartment is reserved for the disabled, or those who have trouble climbing stairs.

Carla Harris attended the grand opening to check out the shelter and support her mother, Jean Pettway, a shelter board member.

She said she was impressed by how cozy and stylish each room was and she loved the color coordination.

Shelter officials acquired the building in December after four years of work. The building was previously used by the Frankfort Housing Authority to accommodate low-income families.

Renovations were paid for by a $15,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and a $10,000 gift from Immanuel Baptist Church, while churches, civic organizations and individuals donated all furnishings.

Shelter administrators received a check for $1,000 from the Frankfort/Lexington Chapter of The Links Inc., a nonprofit organization, as well as a $5,000 from community member Ron Morgan at the opening celebration.

The building will serve as a transitional living center offering women support as they find jobs, permanent housing become self-sufficient, project coordinator Jennifer Walling said.

In addition to housing 11 women, the shelter has space to accommodate three night volunteers including a bedroom office for the night staff. The shelter currently has two contracted staff members and will run primarily on volunteers when open, Walling said.

She said the shelter would be offering training for volunteers within the next few months.

Walling promised shelter supporters the facility would be a mainstay in Franklin County.
"This house is going to be here for the long haul," she said.

Women's Shelter
For more information about the Franklin County Women's Shelter call 352-2843 or e-mail fcwomenshelter@yahoo.com.