Catalyst has been making plans to build a new shelter for over four years and the hard work paid off as they celebrated the completion of the project at the grand opening of their state-of-the-art facility.

“We are so excited to be celebrating this point in our agency’s history,” said Anastacia Snyder, executive director for Catalyst Domestic Violence Services.
The community gathered for the grand opening on Feb 25 where Catalyst had a ribbon cutting ceremony, thanked their sponsors and gave tours of the shelter. Although Catalyst is normally closed to the public, they wanted to make sure the locals got a chance to tour the shelter since it is a big part of the community.

Catalyst is the only domestic violence shelter in Butte and Glenn County. The organization is committed to serving the needs of domestic violence victims and reducing the incidence of domestic violence.

Catalyst is seeing an increase in the number of requests for safe shelter, so having more space was important when planning for the shelter, Snyder said.
This facility will allow the amount of people they are able to serve in the emergency housing program to grow enormously. The old shelter had room for about 15 people, but now there are 28 twin beds and 7 crib/toddler beds for their clients.

The building was also designed with safety and comfort in mind. Catalyst had a security expert from the Chico Police Department help with the project in order to create the safest atmosphere possible. Strategically placed windows and camera surveillance allow staff to watch for people approaching, while a lighted landscape and open spaces help with visibility.

The shelter has a warm, welcoming vibe that makes people feel safe, Snyder said. From the soft paint colors to the light woods to the craftsman style design the building creates a peaceful environment.

The outside atmosphere is just as serene with secluded porches for outdoor living, a barbeque space and a grassy backyard.

“Just having good open, warm and welcoming communal living is important,” she said. “People come to our shelter because they are escaping violence or are afraid of violence.”

Having this updated shelter will not only allow the organization to have space and be more efficient, but will give clients a safe, secure place to stay for longer periods of time.

“We’re slowly transitioning into a longer length of time because we know it takes people longer than 60 days to even be able to get to a place where they’re feeling comfortable, confident and safe,” Snyder said.

With the help of CSU, Chico Catalyst was able to give their clients even more time by building two cottages on site for transitional housing. Catalyst had heard that CSU, Chico’s College of Engineering, Computer Science and Construction Management wanted to bring its Winter Community Service Project closer to home this year, after spending previous winters in New Orleans and Concow, so they applied.

The organizations well thought out plan and commitment from the City of Chico to provide fiscal support helped them get the grant, but nothing could prepare them for the intensity of the “Winter Blitz Build.”

In just nine days, from Jan. 16–24, they built two 840-square-foot homes. As if that isn’t hard enough, they happened to be building during the worst weather Chico has seen all year. Next winter CSU, Chico will be working with Catalyst again to build two or three more cottages for transitional housing.
“We’re adding 18 months of transitional housing, and when all the houses are built there will be housing for five families, which is just incredible,” Snyder said, “It’s another part of the growth of our agency.”

With a bigger facility come more responsibilities, so there are plenty opportunities to become involved in the project. Anyone interested in volunteering can call Victoria at 530-343-7798. Catalyst will also be looking for businesses to partner with to promote self sufficiency skills, such as resume building and budgeting, to their clients.

To learn more about Catalyst, visit their Web site at www.catalystdvservices.org.

By Kayla Cook