Essex, HIF renovate domestic violence shelter
A domestic violence shelter in San Mateo County has undergone a major renovation, thanks largely to Essex Property Trust and the Housing Industry Foundation.
The shelter, operated by the nonprofit agency Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse, helps more than 250 children and adults annually.
“We do what no other nonprofit can: transform these shelters by leveraging our partnerships in the multifamily housing industry, and always at no cost to the organization that operates the facility.”
In the past year, San Mateo County law enforcement responded to 2,879 domestic violence calls. Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse, or CORA, is the only agency in the county aimed exclusively at serving abuse survivors.
“CORA approached us a few months ago and asked HIF to replace some damaged flooring, but we saw that the need was bigger,” said Meta Townsley, executive director of the Housing Industry Foundation. “We do what no other nonprofit can: transform these shelters by leveraging our partnerships in the multifamily housing industry, and always at no cost to the organization that operates the facility.”
Adam Berry, senior vice president of asset management for Essex, said it was an honor to help renovate the shelter.
“Our Essex team members were extremely moved and inspired by the opportunity to support families who are so desperately seeking a safe haven,” Berry said.
On Friday, Dec. 12, more than 25 volunteers from Essex, a member of the California Apartment Association, transformed the shelter in just seven hours.
The volunteers turned a former garage into a community room, painted two apartments from top to bottom and replaced rotted patio decking and unsecured stair railings. They assembled furniture, decorated rooms with newly donated housewares, and more.
They were joined by Brook Furniture, IBI Construction, National Apartment Flooring, Oakwood Corporate Housing, Scottish Maids and Varsity Painting, all donating skilled labor or material for the renovation.
“These renovations provided a more comfortable and healing environment for our families affected by domestic violence,” said Tanisha Hughes, manager of crisis intervention at CORA. “It was amazing to see the level of commitment from Essex volunteers to help make this feel like a home.”
About Essex Property Trust
Essex Property Trust, Inc., an S&P 500 company, is a fully integrated real estate investment trust that acquires, develops, redevelops and manages multifamily residential properties in selected West Coast markets. Essex currently has ownership interests in 240 apartment communities with an additional 14 properties in various stages of active development. Additional information about Essex can be found on the company’s website at www.essex.com.
About Communities Overcoming Relationship Abuse
CORA provides safety, support and healing to those who experience abuse in an intimate relationship, educates the community to break the cycle of domestic violence, and provides a 24-hour hotline, support groups, legal services, and emergency and transitional housing. To learn more about CORA, visit www.corasupport.org.
About the Housing Industry Foundation
The Housing Industry Foundation is a nonprofit charity that helps individuals and families in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties either remain in, or return to stable housing. HIF completes renovations at no charge to non-profit housing shelters and transitional living facilities to improve the living conditions of their clients. Through collaboration with emergency service organizations, HIF also funds emergency housing grants of up to $1,000 that provide the immediate bridge necessary to keep individuals and families in their homes. Learn more at HIFinfo.org.