DeKALB –  Domestic violence agency Safe Passage is getting a new home after a former DeKalb clinic began the demolition process Monday. 

Safe Passage purchased the property at 217 Franklin St. with the help of an anonymous donor. The new facility will house all their programs under one roof, according to their “building new beginnings” campaign website. 

Tarryn Thaden, a board member of Safe Passage, said in a Facebook post there will be three levels to the new building. 

The lower level will be used for major group activities, large workrooms and a small gym for children, the second level will be used for office space and the third floor will be used for residential purposes. 

Mary Ellen Schaid, executive director for Safe Passage, said in the post by the shelter that the building was purchased over a year ago. 

“Since I started at Safe Passage, I was very aware of how inadequate the current space we have for shelter, and also the way our staff was spread out,” Schaid said in the post. “It was clear to me about five or six years ago that we needed a new building.”