Friday was a day to remember at the Ashby House in downtown Salina.

Golden shovels lifted the earth below signifying the beginning of the Ashby House “Move that House” project. The ground breaking ceremony means that Ashby House, with the help of donors, are moving its shelter behind Taco John’s at 300 S. 5th over next to their original shelter at the corner of 8th and Walnut.

Ashby House Executive Director Andy Houltberg tells KSAL News that they received a grant from the Sunderland Foundation, while Blue Beacon has picked up the bill for the move of the home. Houltberg says the new shelter will double their current capacity and be much more efficient to run being next to their original shleter.

The “Move that House” project is designed to addres the rising population seeking homeless shelter services within Salina. Currently, a single two-story house consisting of four bedrooms caters to the needs of Salina’s homeless families and individual women. Not surprisingly, the shelter boasts full-capacity on an almost nightly basis-leaving many of its residents to create temporary bedrooms within the shelter’s communal living room, dining room, kitchen and child care room when necessary.  The new shelter will be equipped to house seven additional bedrooms and four additional bathrooms.

Houltberg thanked the help from the Sutherland Foundation and Blue Beacon. However, he says the Ashby House is still in need of donations which can be made at www.ashbyhouse.org.

Ground was broke for the “Move that House” project on Friday by the board members and staff of Ashby House. Construction of the basement begins Monday. Officials hope that construction of the new house is complete by the beginning of 2020.