The Gatehouse, a $28 million shelter with programs for women and children, has broken ground in Grapevine, said spokeswoman Cristen Hixson.

The city approved the project by the nonprofit group projectHandUp on 61 acres near DFW International Airport in August 2012. Construction is expected to be completed in fall 2014.

Plans call for an independent living program to help some 96 families in crisis at a time, all housed at the Gatehouse. Besides housing, they will have access to free food, transportation, education, medical care, clothing and counseling.

Faith-based programs will help with life skills and mentoring.

Grapevine Mayor William D. Tate and Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price were on hand for the groundbreaking last week, along with other area officials.