Expansion plans for the Mitchell Area Safe House took a step forward after the Mitchell City Council authorized the city to apply for just over two million dollars in Community Development Block Grant funding. The money is part of the federal government’s coronavirus CARES act. District III Community Development Specialist Eric Ambroson explained that the council would be approving the city to be a pass-through or sponsor of the application. The money would flow through the city to the Safe House for the construction of the project. Cities can apply for one CDBG every year for themselves and can also pass through up to three for non-profits.
Mitchell Area Safe House Director Nancy Wietgrefe says the current facility is too crowded and is not ADA-compliant. She added that social distancing is impossible, and that there is only one kitchen and three bathrooms for 26 people to share.
Mitchell Area Safe House Foundation Development Director Ashley Hobbs says they are still in the process of looking at land for a new site. She says expansion plans for the Mitchell Area Safehouse have been in the works since 2019. Total cost of the expansion is expected to be around five million dollars.