Lighthouse safehouse reopens
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on October 15, 2006 2:00 AM
Female victims of domestic violence in Wayne County once again have a safe place to go to get away from their abuser.
The Lighthouse of Wayne County's safehouse is reopen after eight months of renovations. It currently has one resident, but more are expected in the next few days.
The safehouse was originally supposed to reopen the beginning of July, according to Cheri Seronick, director. But the building had serious electrical problems that required major repairs. She said a bedroom on the second floor had no electricity at all.
Adding to the delay was an asbestos inspection that had to be conducted and asbestos having to be removed.
"Of course it's an old building so they found some asbestos," Mrs. Seronick said. "Then they had to send in the hazard abatement team. That set us back several weeks."
Renovations to the safehouse included a complete rewiring and new floors in the kitchen and dining room. There was a lot of plumbing work done and dilapidated toilets and showers were replaced.
"Probably one of the biggest deals for us was that the laundry area has been moved from the hallway to an enclosed porch," said Mrs. Seronick. "That got it out of the thoroughfare. There's always someone doing laundry and when they were doing it in the hallway, it got really congested.
"We now have connections for two washers and dryers in that room. And there's also a play area next to it for children while Mom is doing laundry."
Walls were painted and carpeting was replaced with earth tone colors. Furniture was also replaced.
The renovation project was funded through a $105,000 federal Housing and Urban Development grant.
The next project to be done at the safehouse is creating a memorial flower garden to be dedicated to the late Jesse Peacock. Mrs. Peacock helped the Lighthouse in many ways, said Mrs. Seronick.