For women and children fleeing domestic violence, the safe haven found at Alexandria Women's Shelter is a needed respite, but HomeAid Northern Virginia, long-time Builder Captain Brookfield Homes, and shelter staff are soon embarking on a large renovation project that will help make the five-bedroom, two-bath shelter even more welcoming.

The project has support from a wide range of stakeholders, with the United Way and the Van Metre Foundation each providing $10,000. This also marks the first time HomeAid has ever partnered with the City of Alexandria, as well as with the Women's Shelter.

"Our residents are in crisis," said Debra Evans, division chief of Alexandria City's Sexual Assault Center & Domestic Violence Program, "and the changes that Brookfield and HomeAid are planning will go a long way in helping our residents feel in command of their surroundings through improved organization and storage systems, and will make the shelter feel more welcoming and 'homey' through a variety of cosmetic improvements and structural updates. The last thing we want is for our facility to feel institutional for people who have left such bad situations, and we're so grateful for this project - it will be enormously important to those we serve."

Due to the complexities of the project - including the fact that the property was originally going to be occupied throughout the renovation - the work of Brookfield and its trade partners is especially appreciated.

"This project will be a lot of work, and although we've since learned that the property will be vacant, we were prepared to do what it took to ensure everyone's anonymity and safety," said Skip Daugherty, director of customer service for Brookfield. "We work in the Northern Virginia area all the time, people support us, and we want to give back. It's a privilege - not a duty - to help. We feel privileged to do this."

Other major modifications to the shelter include safety upgrades, including new door locks and a closed circuit television system for the front and back entrances. The project is expected to be completed by summer's end.