The facility is part of the Ft. Bend County Women's Center and has been built through labor and monetary donations from the real estate community. The undertaking has been financed by a $2.2-million capital campaign. The center can accommodate 65 women and children, with each family's living quarters consisting of a private room and bath. The shelter also has a library conference room, clinic, meeting rooms and secure enclosed parking.

The structure's framing had been donated by DE Harvey Builders, a commercial general contractor, and Newmark Homes, a Sugar Land-based residential builder. "Our role was to create a residential/commercial alliance with DE Harvey and utilize our contractors and vendors to frame and dry in the building. The process took about a month and a half," says Steve Von Hofe, senior vice president of Newmark Homes' Southeast Texas Division.

Newmark also had lined up $23,000 of in-kind donations from Brinkman Roofing, Tamlyn & Sons, Boise Cascade, James Hardee, Allied Concrete, Owens Corning Products and Trussway Lumber.