SAN CLEMENTE : First Families Move In to New Shelter for Abused Women
After nearly two years of planning and fund-raising, a grass-roots organization this week opened the city’s first women’s shelter for victims of domestic violence.
Two families moved into the shelter Thursday, said Linda Lee, office manager for Laura’s House, which also offers counseling and referral services.
“They’re safe,” she said of the first clients. “That’s the most important thing.”
The shelter, which can house as many as 16 people for up to 45 days, provides a haven for women and children. The organization then helps them find other housing.
“We’ve been inundated with phone calls,” Lee said. “It proves how much a need there is. We could have half a dozen houses and it still would not be enough.”
The shelter, which will cost about $300,000 a year to operate, still owes $185,000 on the house, said Sandy Condello, executive director of Laura’s House.
To help raise funds, the organization is participating in the Byron Scott Challenge for Children Golf Tournament on Sunday at the Marbella Golf and Country Club in San Juan Capistrano.
Information: (714) 361-3775.
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