ST. CLOUD -- For people needing an escape from domestic violence, Anna Marie's Alliance has been a bastion of hope for over 40 years.

With October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month it's crucial to know what resources are out there.

Anna Marie's Executive Director Charles Hempeck says, they help a lot of people every year.

"We provide bed-space for 36 women and children for any one time. And on average we house around 450 to 475 women and children a year."

He says, while they don't turn anyone away, they do have limits on how long someone can stay with them.

"There's an ordinance in St. Cloud... people can stay up to 45 days. There's a couple of caveats in that, like 10% of the residents can stay an additional 45 days, or if they have a no-contact or protection order they can stay longer than that."

The alliance has recently finalized plans to expand their current shelter and build the Center for Family Peace.  Anna Marie’s will be able to provide more privacy by offering apartments with the expansion.

The project is expected to cost $4,000,000 and Hempeck says they have raised around half the needed amount. Ground Breaking is expected to happen in April 2018, with dedication in October 2018 on Anna Marie’s 40th anniversary.

Anna Marie's will be having a fundraising breakfast at the Best Western Kelly Inn in downtown St. Cloud on October 13th from 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Reservations are required, but the event is free to attend, call 320-251-7203.

Rendering of Anna Marie's Center for Family Peace (Photo Courtesy of Anna Marie's Allaince)
Rendering of Anna Marie's Center for Family Peace (Photo Courtesy of Anna Marie's Allaince)
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