The Family Place reopens after winter storm damage forced relocation of 123 people

The Family Place, which serves victims of domestic violence in North Texas, rededicated its safe campus, Sally’s House, after February’s winter storm devastated the property, forcing 123 people residing in the facility to evacuate.

The effort to provide housing for the clients following the storm was aided by Wilshire Baptist Church Pastor George Mason and Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson.

Johnson spoke during the event about the impact The Family Place has on the Dallas community.

“For the most vulnerable among us, that extraordinary weather event was even more calamitous. I know that The Family Place suffered a tremendous loss here,” Johnson said.

“Public safety has to come first in this city. Without safety, we can’t expect people to thrive in our city. I truly believe that public safety starts at home. The consequences are grave if we don’t address domestic violence in this city.”

Johnson considers The Family Place an incredible resource for the city.

“They do work that is critically important to help folks who are dealing with one of the most challenging things a family could ever face, violence in the home,” Johnson said.

“We’re glad to be able to be here today to celebrate their comeback, and I think that it’s very symbolic of the comeback that the folks whose lives have been affected by domestic violence have to go through, and it’s just a wonderful occasion.”

During her speech, Paige Flink, The Family Place’s CEO, thanked Mason and Johnson for their contributions in the aftermath. The city helped provide transportation for the families, and Mason’s church provided a place for them to stay.

During the storm, the pipes burst and ruined the facility. Flink contacted Johnson, who helped them turn off the water. After the families were situated at Wilshire Baptist Church, the pipes burst, forcing them into extended stay hotels where they have remained for the last five months.

“What I want people to know is that the gifts that people gave, and they were extensive during that period of time, really did make a difference and the clients really did benefit from their outpouring,” Flink said.

After 29 years, Flink will retire from her position as soon as a replacement is found. Before her retirement, she hopes to raise $20 million to start a foundation “so that the next time there is a pandemic or a storm they will have some money to fall back on because who knows what next time will look like.”

Harold Ginsburg, president of the executive board of The Family Place, expressed his gratitude for the reopening.

“We’re really excited to be getting back in and getting Sally’s House open and getting service to our clients. That’s most important. Get the people back into normal situations,” Ginsburg said.

The event ended with a blessing from Mason, who highlighted the importance of the faith in community involvement.

“We are not just a religious club that gathers for services on the Sabbath, but we are partners with all of you in the making of a community,” Mason said, calling on all to “work for the common good.”

The Family Place will start transitioning its clients back into the facility on Friday.