Sojourner Center ● Pet Companion Shelter Expansion Project

Community Partner: Sojourner Center

Mission: Since 1977, Sojourner Center has been a safe haven from domestic violence for women and their children in Arizona. Since their founding, the Sojourner Center has transformed lives by providing shelter and support services to more than 60,000 adults and children affected by domestic violence. Learn more: https://www.sojournercenter.org/

Builder Captain: Taylor Morrison - Phoenix Division

Design Partners: BSB Design and Gothic Landscaping

Project Partners: Ei Engineering, Horns Consulting LLC, WOODPATEL, New Electric Inc., Felten Group, RICK Engineering Company

Scope: In their continuous effort to reduce barriers for those fleeing domestic violence, the Sojourner Center opened an on‐site Pet Companion Shelter (PCS) in 2015. This innovative practice (only 5% of domestic violence shelters in the U.S. accept pets) was informed by evidence showing that animal companionship is fortifying and contributes to the emotional well‐being of adults and children experiencing trauma; and where shelters are able to remove barriers, pet‐owners leave abusive relationships more quickly. This project builds on Sojourner’s successful PCS program – further serving its participants and serving as a national model. The project includes a significant remodel of six (6) emergency shelter rooms to make them “pet friendly” and the addition of a new dog park on the campus.

Groundbreaking: March 10, 2023

Timeline: March 2023 - August 2023

Opening: August 18, 2023. Learn more