ALPENA — The Besser Foundation has awarded Hope Shores Alliance a $50,000 matching grant to go toward the nonprofit’s new emergency shelter.

According to a Hope Shores Alliance press release, the nonprofit has purchased a building in Alpena that will become the organization’s primary emergency shelter for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Val Williams, Hope Shores Alliance executive director, told The News that the organization will disclose the location of the building at a later time as progress continues.

The new facility offers space, accessibility, and a “more trauma-informed environment,” according to the release. However, the building requires updates prior to move in, including a roof replacement, security features, and a dedicated children’s space.

The release states that the Besser Foundation matching grant will double every dollar donated to Hope Shores Alliance’s fundraising efforts, up to $50,000. The nonprofit is calling these fundraising efforts their “New Era of Hope” capital campaign.

Williams explained in the release that the Besser Foundation’s contribution is a step forward to the project’s completion.

“This generous commitment from the Besser Foundation helps transform our vision into reality,” Williams said in the release. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and create a safe, healing space for survivors and their families.”

Williams told The News that Hope Shores Alliance has just started their fundraising efforts and that there are more fundraising events happening in the near future, like a garage sale at the new location in September. Their overall goal is to raise $450,000 from individual, business, and community partner donations.

Those wishing to donate can either give money or sponsor a renovation project happening at the new location, said Williams.

Williams explained that the new location will be able to house up to 25 people, per city and zoning regulations. This is the same as their current shelter, but the new facility will offer more space, including communal areas and a computer room.

Williams stated that though there are community resources that survivors can access, having resources in-house is important for Hope Shores Alliance’s vision.

“We are trying to take a space and truly make it 100% available to survivors,” Williams said.

Hope Shores Alliance never planned on purchasing the new facility, according to Williams. She said that the seller of the building approached the organization about purchasing the space, as they believed it would serve the organization well.

Williams said that she arranged a time to view the building without thinking that her organization would ever have the bandwidth to accomplish such a project. However, when Williams saw the building she said she knew that it was the future of Hope Shores Alliance.

“I went to look at the building not thinking seriously we’d be in a position to do this,” Williams said. “When I saw it … it brought tears to my eyes.”

Specific campaign details, including sponsorship options and project descriptions, are available on the Hope Shores Alliance website, Facebook page, or by calling 989-356-2560.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.