Laurel House Domestic Violence Shelter Expanding In Upper Gwynedd

UPPER GWYNEDD, PA — Laurel House, Montgomery County's only domestic violence shelter, is opening up a brand new facility in Upper Gwynedd.

A virtual groundbreaking event for the new building will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4 on Zoom. The public can attend the event online.

Laurel House has two transitional housing programs for victims of domestic violence and their children: Nehemiah's Way in North Wales, and the Bridge Housing program in East Norriton.

"While the original shelter has been a safe haven for thousands of families seeking safety, the new building will bring increased capacity and accessibility, and will provide much-needed enhancements in design, security, and amenities," Laurel House officials said in announcing the groundbreaking.

The three-story building will be completely renovated and ready to move in by the end of 2021. Called the Laurel House Safe Haven Center, it will feature two floors of emergency residential space, laundry facilities, a library, a meeting space, and children's playroom.

The renovation follows a vital $1 million grant from the state received by Laurel House just last month.

Founded in 1980, Laurel House began as a shelter as part of the Women's Center of Montgomery County. It became independent and expanded to offer a wide variety of services, ranging from traditional housing to a 24 hour hotline and a children's program. That's in addition to an array of legal advocacy work and collaboration with the community and local law enforcement.

Learn more about Laurel House and their mission here.