Former Panther Steve Smith helps turn local shelter into smart home

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — A Union County shelter for victims of domestic violence got a special holiday surprise Saturday when former Carolina Panthers player Steve Smith helped install new high-tech devices in the building to improve security.

The Steve Smith Family Foundation and Verizon Wireless teamed up to make the Turning Point shelter into a smart home, installing various equipment to make it more secure.

Smith told Channel 9 that the cause is close to his heart.

“For us, it's something that my mom went through. It's something I grew up experiencing,” Smith said. “Because I'm out of it doesn't mean you leave it behind."

Smith noted that some of the features added are just for fun so families can enjoy entertainment.

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