An affordable housing facility that will provide women and their children safety from domestic violence situations is set to open this fall.

Julietta’s Place, which is currently under construction is set to open at the end of October.

The facility is located on 55th St. in Red Deer and will be available to women and their children after their stay at the Women’s Shelter which is normally limited to 30 days.

“The purpose of the facility is to allow women and children to develop goals, plans and solid steps towards independence,” said Barb Barber, executive director of Central Alberta Women’s Outreach.

Once complete, the facility will include 10 suites which range from three bedroom units to one bedroom units.

“Families will be able to stay in the facility for up to 18 months and will pay an affordable housing rent,” said Barber. “The majority of women return to the men because they have no where to go and a lot of families who leave a situation do not have a support system. This will provide them with a place and it will provide them with that support system.”

She added housing is a huge need in the community and this project is the first of its kind in Red Deer.

“There is really no transitional housing they can access to go to remain safe and to work on knocking down the barriers they need to live an independent, boundary free life,” said Barber.

Total cost of the project is $1.5 million. Central Alberta Women’s Outreach has received a $1 million grant from the province but is still needs to fundraise for the remaining cost.

For more information call 403-347-2480.