Plumas Crisis Intervention and Resource Center employees hold signs depicting the short version of the center’s mission. From left: Susie Wallace, family advocate; Leah Irons, administrative assistant; Dennis Thibeault, executive director; Leaf Van Pelt, housing and homeless services specialist; and Scott Corey, administrative coordinator.Photo by Laura Beaton

  Construction on the Plumas Crisis Intervention and Resource Center is nearly complete, and an open house is scheduled for tomorrow, Jan. 17, from 2 to 5 p.m. at 591 Main St. in Quincy.

  The PCIRC staffers are looking forward to showing off their newly renovated and expanded site, which is twice the size it used to be.

  The remodeled building houses a day shelter, the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program, the Rape Crisis Center, the Independent Living Program for foster youths and other family services including a homeless program and the crisis line headquarters.

  Future collaborations with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and community corrections, working with parolees to reduce recidivism, are lined up.

  Funding for the project came largely from a community development block grant of $460,000. The grant stipulated PCIRC secure a 15-year lease as well as make a commitment to ensure the building will be used for the services it currently offers.

  The building boasts many new and upgraded features, including showers; laundry facilities; a kitchen where cooking and shopping classes will eventually be held; a large conference room; a comfortable living room; free computer, Internet, copying and fax use; free food donated by the Community Assistance Network (the local food bank); a library; and various counseling services.

  Executive Director Dennis Thibeault said that building owner Earl Thompson was so impressed with the renovations that he decided to pay for a new roof and expanded pavement around the building.

  Thompson also offered to spring for catered refreshments at the grand reopening, when the public is invited to tour the new facilities and learn about the many valuable programs PCIRC offers.

  The crisis center is looking for donations of quality items such as a washing machine and dryer, a stove and oven, kitchen tables and chairs, and other household and office items.

  The building, designed by Quincy architect Richard Daun and built by general contractor Marty Burfiend, of Greenville, is a model for ADA accessibility, Thibeault said.

  PCIRC is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the crisis line is open all day, every day and can be reached at 283-4333 or toll-free at 877-332-2754. For more information go to pcirc.info.

  The rape crisis line’s toll-free number is 877-215-7273.