HANNIBAL (WGEM) - The AVENUES Board of Directors has decided to temporarily close its domestic and sexual violence shelter due to health and safety concerns within the current facility.

To provide immediate housing and relocation assistance to clients affected by the closure the United Way of the Mark Twain Area announced Tuesday the creation of the AVENUES New Beginnings Fund.

The fund will be administered by the United Way Community Coordinated Response Team.

Officials state the fund will ensure the individuals who were staying at the shelter have a safe place to go and the support they need to rebuild their lives.

United Way’s Community Coordinated Response Team, including AVENUES board and staff members, began case management with clients of AVENUES who were staying at the shelter

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