Biden, Emanuel On Hand For Opening Of New Domestic Violence Shelter

CHICAGO (CBS) -- It hasn't happened in a decade, but now the city is moving forward to expand domestic violence prevention.

Vice President Joe Biden joined Mayor Rahm Emanuel for a ground-breaking for a new shelter.

It is called Wings Metro on the Southwest Side and will be the first one of its kind to open in Chicago in more than 10 years.

The two building complex includes 40 beds with resale shops and social services inside. The idea is to give victims everything they need to get a fresh start.

"It's about getting her a lawyer, it's about getting her some basic skills so she can learn about what kind of job she may be qualified for, it's about getting her counseling for her and her children," said Biden.

The complex is designed to offer families suites for privacy as well as permanent housing options.

Emanuel and Biden worked closely to create the 1994 Violence Against Women Act.

VersAnnette Blackmon was one of those women looking for shelter in Chicago a few years ago; there are only 112 beds in the entire city at domestic-violence shelters.

Blackmon ended up in the suburbs. She's now an advocate for abused women.

"I'm overwhelmed with so much joy and gratitude, and just the fact there's a new thing happening," she says. "We have some hope for tomorrow. Things are going to be OK."

The new shelter will cost more than four million dollars. About half of the money comes from a settlement in the city's lawsuit against VIP Gentleman's Club.

The shelter is slated to open next summer.

Sen. Durbin also attended the ground-breaking at a location that is not being disclosed publicly.

The shelter is expected to serve more than 100 families in its first full year.