One in three American women report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives (Family Violence Prevention Fund, 2008). It’s alarming. But unfortunately it’s true. Even here in Larimer County.

Victims come to us because there is no other place to turn.

Since 1980, Crossroads Safehouse has assisted women and their children by providing emergency shelter. Not only does our agency provide a safe place to stay—we also provide food, clothing, counseling, education, legal assistance, and transitional housing. We are the first step on their journey to self-sufficiency. Women come to us in crisis when there is no other place to find refuge.

Thanks to the generous support of many individuals, foundations, corporations, and government entities, we have been here for three decades to help those who need us most, right at their moment of need. We’re here to rescue, counsel, comfort, and support victims and their children, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The problem has grown bigger than our facility.

Over the past 30 years our community’s population has grown, and unfortunately, so has our problem of domestic violence. A tumultuous economy only fuels the fire. Simply stated, we have outgrown our current shelter and there’s no more room to expand.

Nothing concerns me more than the fact that we’ve had to turn away 826 women and their children over the past five years because we were full when they needed us most.

Time is of the essence. The number of women and children we can accommodate has remained the same yet our need for space continues to grow. The problem was beginning to seem insurmountable. Then in 2008 something very special happened. A generous donor gave us the gift of a 28,000 square-foot facility. It’s more than three times the size of our current building. We are determined to raise the funds required to renovate the building and open its doors as soon as possible. There is enough room in the building to provide shelter to every woman and child who needs us now, and for many years to come.

Together we can save lives and rebuild futures. It is my privilege to invite you to join Crossroads on this important endeavor. On behalf of the many women and children who will find safety and hope in our new home, a most sincere “thank you.”

Vicki Lutz, Executive Director