Jack Affleck
A yearslong effort to create a permanent shelter for victims of domestic abuse in Eagle County was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and housewarming party in Gypsum on Wednesday. The Bright Future Foundation, which operates the shelter, welcomed leaders and contributors from around the community who were involved in the long-awaited, multimillion dollar project.
It’s an issue not easily discussed and often overlooked, but for the staff and supporters of Bright Future Foundation, it’s part of their daily work to make Eagle County a safer place for victims and their families.
The BrightHouse replaces the aging Freedom Ranch safehouse, which has served victims of domestic violence in Eagle County since 2002.
The BrightHouse has the capacity to shelter 24 victims of violence. The facility is intended to provide temporary, emergency housing while foundation staff advocate for victims to secure permanent and safe living arrangements. All of Bright Future Foundation’s services will be available on-site, including advocacy, housing support, and behavioral health. The facility is monitored by a state-of-the-art security system and is under 24-hour surveillance.
Bright Future Foundation chased a half-dozen sites before landing on the final location, and it turned out better than they could have hoped. By building the structure from the ground up, the BrightHouse is more purpose built, which will better fulfill the needs of residents, staff and the organization as a whole.
The BrightHouse will include common areas intended to engender community interaction, a children’s playground, a garden, and offices for counseling and legal services.
