HOT SPRINGS, AR – “You really don’t have to do much but look around the city. You will see how many homeless people we have,” said Safe Haven shelter for women and children board chair Janie Evins.
After homeowners denied the non-profit’s original location, Safe Haven shelter for women and children has finally found a home of its own right in downtown Hot Springs.
“We are overwhelmed with so many people that do need a place to stay,” said Mayor Ruth Carney.
An old housing authority building will soon become a place for victims of domestic violence to come with their children.
“We want to get those women who could exit a bad situation before it gets to that point,” said Evins.
This month alone there have been two fatal domestic violence crimes in Arkansas – both resulting in the shooting deaths of the women involved.
“There’s going to be a lot going on in a place where you concentrate that many people with issues,” said Mayor Carney.
The Safe Haven board members estimate about 100 women are currently living on the streets of Hot Springs.
The shelter has plenty of renovations to undergo but board members hope it will be operational within six months and plan to equip the facility with security cameras on all sides of the building.