Next Phase
We are beginning to make plans to move to working on the inside, the rough-in. That means that we are starting to discuss all the layout of the walls and where will all the fundamentals like heating and cooling be placed, along with electrical and plumbing. This is where it gets exciting for us. It is coming to life. We are in search of donors for the home. We are needing passionate people who are looking to get the victims from off the streets into a safe place. That safe place is what we are working on now. Currently the home has been increased from 1,600 sq. ft. to 2,400 sq. ft. This alone allows us to increase the number of women that we can help.
But we are in search of people who are willing to help us continue raising funds. We have a long way to go. But allow me show you where we are at.
This first picture is the downstairs as they were working to finish the upstairs framing. The view you see here is from when you walk in the front door and standing just in the main door way. The stairs are off to the left of the front door. Behind the stairs is going to be a bathroom and walk-in pantry. That back framing you see is for the master suite which is 400 sq ft. They have their own private bathroom and walk-in closet. Behind the ladder and off to the right is a huge living room and open kitchen area. The cooking area has a huge area for an island that overlooks the living room and the front door.
The second picture here is of the upstairs. This is looking from the sleeping area out to the front of the house. To the left is the shower room and on the right is the bathroom. In front of the shower room on the left is a living area for the women to have their own private space upstairs. On the right behind the bathroom is the stairs and then another bathroom that will house a big tub in it.
There is literally nothing set up in this home as yet. We will be putting all new plumbing in, heating and cooling, and electrical. We have had one survivor come in and take a look to get recommendations for the needs of those who will be staying with us and anything else we should consider when it comes to design. I am pleased to say we have the approval and are definitely on the right track. When a survivor says they want to live here, there is nothing better. We are also looking to purchase special drywall due to how close the neighbors are to this home. The drywall for this home is going to be a massive undertaking just on its own.
We have proven over the last year that people care about trafficked victims just by the increase in recycling that we have seen (from 350 lbs weekly to up to 3,000 lbs weekly). BRANCH still needs you. In addition we are putting out a challenge to help raise funds so that we can move victims to survivors and have that safe place to become the women that God has intended for them to be. We have a lot of work ahead of us. But this is the next phase…. all the rough-in materials for the home. Will you help move us to phase three to finishing the interior of the home?
Each phase has its challenge. There is no doubt about that. But God has proven faithful in the midst of it all and to be quite honest, I’m expecting nothing less as we continue forward. BRANCH is looking forward to each new phase with your help.