TOCCOA, Ga. — Just weeks after a fire forced a local domestic violence shelter to close its residential facility, community members turned out in force to help ensure services continue uninterrupted.
Circle of Hope’s recent Denim & Diamonds fundraiser drew 160 attendees and raised $52,700 to support ongoing operations and recovery efforts following the March 13 fire.
From fire to financial strain
Organizers said the timing of the fundraiser proved especially significant as the shelter continues navigating the financial strain caused by the fire and the temporary closure of its facility.
“We’re grateful we can still offer a safe alternative to anyone who needs shelter services while the facility is under repair, but our daily operating costs have increased significantly,” said Circle of Hope Executive Director Suzanne Dow.
The fire broke out inside a heating and cooling unit in one of the shelter’s bedrooms. Twenty people were staying at the shelter at the time of the incident. Everyone escaped safely and no injuries were reported.
“The fire itself was contained to one room, but the water damage from putting it out caused all the problems,” Dow told Now Georgia. “We are still in construction mode getting it all put back together.”
Rebuilding
Since the fire, Circle of Hope has continued to provide emergency shelter services through alternative housing arrangements while repairs continue. Those temporary accommodations have significantly increased operating expenses.
Shelter officials said they are now housing between eight and 10 families in undisclosed locations while construction crews work to restore the facility. (For safety reasons, the organization does not publicly disclose where survivors are being housed.)
Dow said proceeds from Denim & Diamonds will help cover those added expenses and allow all shelter programs to continue operating at full capacity during the rebuilding process.
Woods Mercantile honored with Action Award
During the May 2 fundraiser, Circle of Hope honored Wood’s Mercantile with its Hope in Action Award for its continued support of domestic violence survivors and families. Dow called the presentation one of the evening’s “most meaningful.”
“Helping families find safety after domestic violence takes a strong community commitment,” said Dow. “Woods Mercantile has done that in such a meaningful way, and we were honored to recognize them.”
Dow pointed out that Wood’s generosity has directly impacted survivors in the community and helped strengthen the shelter’s mission during one of its most difficult seasons.
If you would like to support Circle of Hope’s rebuilding campaign and mission, visit them online at gacircleofhope.org or CLICK HERE.
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