MAPLEWOOD, Minn. — October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and new numbers show only 5% of victims seek shelter.
Oftentimes, those spaces are just a large room and cots.
But that's not the case in Maplewood at the multi-service organization called Tubman, which has nearly 50 years of experience offering people and families housing and other services including legal, education and mental and chemical health programs.
Now, it wants to invest further, making Tubman a more unique space for people in need. It launched The Great Dreams Campaign to raise $8.5 million for things like a new pet sanctuary, windows, roof, commercial kitchen and innovative programming.
"It’s not just a nice to have, it’s directly linked to safety," said Tubman CEO Jennifer Polzin.
The building used to be a monastery in Maplewood, built back in the 1960s. It's a space Shannon Brooks knows well. She sits on the board of directors, but her own mother sought help at Tubman after being in an abusive relationship when Brooks was a child.
"I’m 43 now and it still hurts and it’s still really raw, and so, I understand the healing and the hope that Tubman provides is so important and the work that we do matters," said Brooks. "It came full circle and we wouldn't have had that if it wasn't for Tubman."
Tubman houses about 90 people in its transitional rooms, but it helps more than 17,000 people every year with all of its services.
Polzin hopes construction on some projects can start as early as next year, and Brooks is encouraging anyone who might need help, to take a chance.
"It’s really hard to ask for help, but here at Tubman, we come with kindness, empathy and we never judge," said Brooks. "Just take the first step and I promise you it will change your life."
To learn more about the campaign and how you can help, click here.
And if you are in need of help or services, please call Tubman's 24-hour crisis & resource line at 612-825-0000.
Help is also available by calling 800-799-7233 or texting START to 88788 to be connected with someone from the National Domestic Violence Hotline. The hotline includes more options for support and identifiers of abuse on its website.
For Minnesota residents, Cornerstone MN also offers resources and safe housing for domestic abuse survivors and crime victims. Call 1-866-223-1111 or chat online with the crisis hotline.
If it is an emergency, call 911.
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