New Bend shelter offers hope for women and children

A new home for women and children is opening in Bend, one its founders hope will eventually become the largest shelter of its kind in Central Oregon.

It’s called the Women’s and Children’s Center. The facility is a branch of The Shepherd’s House, which is a Christian-based Bend nonprofit shelter for men in Bend.

The goal of the center is to provide a safe home for women struggling with substance abuse and facing domestic violence, and for their children.

“I’m really excited,” Director Gloria Hall said Thursday. Hall moved from a similar organization she started in Portland to take the position at the Bend shelter.

On Thursday, volunteers filtered in and out of the house located at 2120 Bear Creek Road. Some came to install a refrigerator, others dropped off home goods and books.

“From measuring cups, to beds to refrigerators, washer and dryers — the community has been amazing with their donations and their help,” volunteer Kathy Ward said.

The first resident and her son are expected to move in Monday. The home has four bedrooms, and the center hopes to eventually house nine women at the house. Some of them will move in with their children.

In addition to offering a safe place to sleep and free meals, the shelter offers counseling and programs designed to help women get back on track and succeed on their own.

The Women’s and Children’s Center hopes to eventually expand into a bigger facility and serve about 40 women and children.

Hall said many of the women in need have been abused.

“Domestic violence is one of the main issues for homeless women,” Hall said. “They self-medicate a lot because of that — so then you have drug issues.”

According to Hall, the women often need positive role models and support.

“We’re building relationships with them and just being their biggest cheerleader,” Hall said. “It’s great to see lives changed.”

The Women’s and Children’s Center is hosting an open house Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Visitors will be able to tour the home and meet the home’s first resident: A woman who has been living in her car for three years with her son.

You can donate money, food and household items to help get the shelter running. Organizers are hoping to raise about $1.2 million for staff and operational costs.

Money can be donated by visiting: http://myshepherdshouse.org/. You must specify that you want your gift to go to the Women’s and Children’s Center.

Hall said the shelter still need items like bookshelves, lamps, dressers and nightstands.

The nonprofit is also registered at Bed, Bath and Beyond.