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SIA Safe Haven Home opens to those in need

There’s a new shelter in the Lafayette area for families in an emergency situation.

The SIA Safe Haven Home opened Wednesday at the Faith Ministries property on State Road 26 East. It’s run in partnership with the local chapter of the American Red Cross.

Faith senior pastor Steve Viars says the Red Cross is able to provide those in need with a few nights at a hotel, but nothing longer-term, until now.

“The first contact will be made through the Red Cross. They’re the ones who will actually determine the persons who ought to move into Safe Haven. From there, we will meet them and serve them for the period of time that they’re here.”

He says those staying at the house will have access to Faith’s community and fitness center.

Subaru of Indiana Automotive led the fundraising effort to build the three-bedroom house, collecting more than $145,000.

SIA Executive Vice President Tom Easterday says the home meets an immediate need for the community.

“Mayor Tony Roswarski and the American Red Cross have been working on trying to find a location, and Faith Ministries came through with the location. But they didn’t have the mechanism for raising the funds. That’s where we came into play and it worked out well being our 2012 community initiative.”

He says two charity events raised approximately $75,000 and in-kind donations of materials and services totaled approximately $72,000.

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