The YWCA of Kitsap County recently received a grant of $25,000 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support the YWCA’s “Keeping ALIVE Alive” Campaign. Funds raised from the campaign will renovate and upgrade Kitsap County’s only shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children. The confidentially located YWCA ALIVE Shelter can house up to 17 women and children at any given time.

The project objectives include significant upgrades to maintain the condition of the building; optimize the safety and comfort of the shelter residents through the installation of a video surveillance security system and heating reconfigurations; and exceed state required safety codes through the installation of a fire sprinkler system.

From three sites in Kitsap County, the YWCA assists women, men and children with supportive services targeted to families affected by domestic violence and their children, families with children at-risk for neglect and abuse, pregnant and parenting teens, and at-risk youth.

For information call (360) 479-0522.