October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Harbor House of Central Florida broke ground Wednesday on an emergency housing facility to help domestic violence survivors in Orange County.
A groundbreaking ceremony took place Wednesday morning at the SunTrust Center in downtown Orlando, but the actual facility will be built elsewhere.
The new facility, named the "Morgan & Morgan Home: A Safe Haven for Families," will include 119 beds and special areas for those with newborns and special needs. The facility's address is confidential.
Concept art of the new Morgan & Morgan Home for domestic violence victims. (Harbor House of Central Florida)
The Orlando Police Department said it responds to about 4,000 domestic violence calls each year. Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs spoke about the importance of the new facility.
"Women are discovering there is a way out," Jacobs said. "But, one of the most important (things) is that they have shelter that is not only safe, but (also) offers light and offers hope. That is what Harbor House does."
A purple sandbox was used to signify the color representing the anti-domestic violence movement. More than 100 community partners attended Wednesday's groundbreaking ceremony.
The new facility is expected to open in early fall 2016.