For the Foto News

LINCOLN COUNTY –Household Abuse Victims Emergency Network (HAVEN) is looking to use a lull in occupancy to make improvements through an adopt-a-room program.

In Dec. 2010, HAVEN completed renovations at the former Lincoln County Annex building and moved its offices and shelter to their present location.

In the almost 10 years since then, necessary upkeep and maintenance have been done in the six shelter rooms during interims when they were unoccupied, but It is rare for a room to stay open for long.

During 2019, HAVEN provided 2,867 bed nights of shelter to 86 adults and children. However, the COVID-19 epidemic has caused a temporary lull in occupancy, and HAVEN wants to use this time and opportunity to benefit our future clients.

“The shelter rooms are all due for some tender loving care in terms of ‘makeovers’ such as painting, updating and refurnishing,” a facility release said.

“With that in mind, HAVEN is inviting donors, which could be individuals, groups or businesses, to ‘adopt a room’ in our shelter. The adoption donation would provide upkeep and improvements including (but not limited to) fresh paint, new furniture and bedding, and updated décor.

“This ‘adoption’ ensures welcoming rooms for adults and children which will be comfortable and secure spaces for rest, renewal, and preparing for the future.”

In addition to bedrooms, donors can also choose to adopt other rooms in the residential area, including bathrooms, kitchen, common living/dining area, laundry room, play room, and the teen room.

“When individuals or groups choose to adopt rooms at HAVEN, their support will make a tangible, practical difference in the lives of the adults and children who are on the courageous journey out of abusive and violent situations,” the release added.

According to their wishes, Adopt a Room donors will be recognized in HAVEN’s quarterly newsletters, on the agency’s social media, and on donor plaques placed by the rooms they choose to adopt. Any smaller donations from individuals or groups which are contributed toward this effort can also be combined to reach the total amount needed to adopt a room.

For more information, contact tammy@haveninc.org or kim@haveninc.org, or call 715-536-1300.