Housing for Victims of Sexual Assault/Trafficking

We are thrilled to share a major milestone in our journey toward offering survivors of violence safe, stable housing. With new departmental funding secured, Portside Suites at Fair Haven RCC is moving closer to becoming a reality.

Please join us in congratulating Tamika Muhammad, who said “YES” on October 1st into becoming our first Director of Transitional Housing for Portside Suites!

Since joining Fair Haven in 2021, Tamika has grown with our agency and excelled in every role she’s held. We are confident she will bring the same dedication, compassion, and vision to this next chapter as she helps build Portside Suites into a safe, supportive, and healing space for survivors.

“I am honored and excited to begin laying the foundation for Portside Suites, Fair Haven's transitional housing program. This new beginning represents more than just a safe place to stay—it is about creating a supportive, healing, and empowering environment where survivors can begin to rebuild their lives. I look forward to working alongside our community partners to provide not only housing but access to the resources and care that every survivor deserves.”
— Tamika Muhammad, Director of Transitional Housing

This week, a local community business clearing out model home furniture felt inspired to give back—donating two bedroom sets toward our goal of furnishing five safe, non-congregate housing units. These spaces will provide refuge for adults escaping dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking.

We have a funded department. We have some furniture.
Now—we need the building.
And we are so close to breaking ground!

Join the School: Be Part of the Sea of Support.
This is more than a construction project—it’s a community movement. Together, we’re creating a vibrant Sea of Support where every gift helps survivors find safety and hope.

Help us build Portside Suites. Be part of the movement that turns hope into home.

Dear Community Ally,

We’re thrilled to share another exciting milestone in our journey to expand safety and hope for survivors in our community—we've received official approval from the Town of Highland to build new residential housing on our property!

Here’s a look at our upcoming project milestones:

• July 2, 2025 – Plan Commission Study Session

• July 14, 2025 – Town Council Vote on Use Variance

• August 20, 2025 – Plat Hearing

• September 17, 2025 – Final Approval Night

With momentum building, we’re aiming to host a groundbreaking ceremony by the end of summer to celebrate the beginning of construction. Planning is already underway, including ceremonial preparations and compiling our guest list of key stakeholders and community supporters who have made this project possible.

We’ve been honored by the backing of so many partners, including Congressman Frank Mrvan, PBS Design Build, Lake County Development, the Town of Highland, our Board of Directors, Building Committee Chair Representative Julie Olthoff, and many more valued individuals throughout the community.

To bring this vision to life, we still need to raise over $300,000. We’re currently updating our sponsorship packet and outreach materials to inspire additional support and ensure this transformative project becomes a shared achievement. Our updated plan now includes five residential units (originally four), a garage/storage building, and a Serenity Garden—a peaceful outdoor space for residents, clients, and staff to enjoy. The garden will offer new sponsorship opportunities, including:

• Custom engraved pavers in our “Paving the Way” patio

• A water feature for ambiance

• Garden and patio furnishings

This is more than construction—it’s a commitment to healing, empowerment, and community transformation.

Let’s finish what we’ve started—together.