Options Plans New Shelter Beds in Colby to Better Serve Northwest Kansas

For over four decades, Options Domestic & Sexual Violence Services has provided vital support to individuals facing some of life’s darkest moments. Serving all 18 counties of Northwest Kansas, the organization currently operates out of offices in Hays and Colby. But soon, their Colby location may see a major upgrade — one that could make a life-changing difference for survivors in our area.

NWKS Radio recently sat down with Dawn Gabel, Development Director for Options, to discuss an exciting new expansion project aimed at creating crisis shelter beds right here in Colby.

“Hays has had our only shelter for 41 years,” said Gabel, “but that’s a long way from Colby and Goodland. Last year alone, we provided emergency shelter to 36 people from this area. That meant either uprooting them to Hays or placing them in hotels — which, while sometimes necessary, is expensive, not ideal, and honestly, not very safe in a small town where everybody knows where the hotels are.”

That’s why Options is now working toward remodeling its existing Colby office — a generously donated and spacious building — to add on-site shelter space. The vision includes four private rooms with two beds each, plus bathrooms, offering emergency shelter to individuals or families escaping violence.

This expansion won’t come cheap. The project is estimated to cost around $330,000, but thanks to a Community Service Tax Credit awarded by the State of Kansas, local residents and businesses have an opportunity to help — and get rewarded for it.

“We were awarded $166,000 in tax credits, and we’ve already had great participation,” Gabel explained. “As of now, we have about $87,000 in credits still available. These offer a 50% credit — that means if you donate $1,000, you get $500 back from the state. It’s a powerful way to support survivors and get a meaningful tax break.”

The tax credit program helps Options raise funds while encouraging local investment in services that directly benefit Northwest Kansas. It’s also a tangible way for community members to get involved in a cause that often goes unseen — until it's urgently needed.

“You may not know someone who’s used our services,” said Gabel. “But we serve people from all walks of life. From young people at the community college or tech college to families across our rural towns — domestic violence doesn’t discriminate, and having safe shelter here in Colby could be life-saving.”

If all goes to plan, the remodeled Colby space will provide local shelter to residents from Colby, Goodland, Hoxie, and surrounding towns — reducing the trauma of relocation and helping survivors begin rebuilding their lives close to home.

Want to Get Involved?

Donations that qualify for the tax credit must go directly toward the shelter remodel project. For more information, visit help4abuse.org — that’s help, the number 4, abuse.org. You can also email Dawn directly at dawn@help4abuse.org or call the Colby office and ask for more information about the tax credit opportunity.

“It’s an important project,” Gabel said. “We’re not asking people to fix every problem — just to help us build a safe space for those who need it most.”

Stay tuned to NWKS Radio for updates as this shelter expansion progresses, and thank you to all who help make this life-saving work possible.