COEUR d'ALENE - Idaho's first lady Lori Otter is scheduled to speak at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Union Gospel Mission Center for Women and Children in Coeur d'Alene at 2 p.m. Thursday.

The Center, at 196 W. Haycraft Ave., will accommodate individuals in need of short-term emergency help, as well as those seeking long-term life change.

"I am both moved and humbled by the need in Kootenai County," UGM Executive Director Phil Altmeyer said. "The Inland Northwest is a cohesive community - sharing citizens, natural resources, and most importantly, values. One of those values is compassion for those in need. We have seen our neighbor in need, and having seen that need, the love of God compels us to respond."

Six rooms will be devoted to rescue and 28 to long-term recovery. Total capacity, depending on the number of children, will be between 80 and 100.

The main building, 39,370 square feet, will also include a kitchen, dining room, medical clinic, chapel, classrooms, computer lab and child care center.

The facility has been designed with expansion in mind and the possibility of serving men and two-parent families in the future.

The goal of the Union Gospel Mission recovery programs is to break the cycle of homelessness by addressing its underlying causes and bringing healing to the whole person - body, mind and spirit.