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All Things Women emergency shelter moving to new site, but needs community help
Most of the women and children who come to her current shelter space - are living in their cars while fleeing domestic violence - or eviction.
DETROIT (FOX 2) - Mena Davis took FOX 2 on a tour of the new All Things Women emergency shelter and transitional housing - a church property being renovated specifically for unhoused women and children.
"We'll have some family suites - we're also going to offer - like this room, will be our community room," said Davis. the nonprofit's founder. "Instead of telling women 'Unfortunately we don't have any space' - this building could potentially put 60 more beds into the community."
Space that's desperately needed - shelters are full - housing is scarce. Most of the women and children who come to her current shelter space - are living in their cars while fleeing domestic violence - or eviction.
"I get emotional when I think about toddlers sleeping in car seats," she said.
For Mena Davis - it's very personal.
"I remember what it was like to leave a situation as a child - and leave everything - every toy - every blanket - everything," she said. "And here we just try to provide all of those things."
Her current shelter in Boston Edison has 22 beds - she's hoping to open the new one in Detroit's Old Redford neighborhood in January - she has about a month to get it ready, to give women a second chance.
"A lot of times they come into the shelter and they're so beaten and down and sad that they forget to look out the window," she said. "They forget that life is still going on."
The estimate from the church to transform this space is $120,000. The organization doesn't have that kind of money - but they do hope they have the support from people who might want to volunteer - and paint.
Davis is asking for help from a community group or church group who might want to sponsor a room - or a corporation who might want to contribute. If so, they want to hear from you.
"I prayed for something larger and this is where God brought me so I am just excited," she said. "And I'm just hoping that the community is excited to have a space and a place that can just love women back to life."
But first - they need to love this building back to life. The space will also have special housing for women veterans - as well as a food pantry and clothing closet for the community.
If you would like to donate time or money, or simply learn more, CLICK HERE.