More than $500,000 Granted for Safe Housing
June 5th, 2025
By Sheri Madsen, Director of Public Relations and Partnerships –
We have awarded 12 Safe Housing grants for a total of $557,087 in our first grant round of 2025! Six domestic violence (DV) shelters, three animal shelters, and three homeless shelters can create or expand programming for the pets of survivors and people experiencing homelessness.
DV Shelter Grantees:
- Illinois: VOICES of Stephenson County, $38,000
- *Massachusetts: New Hope Inc., $58,000
- *Minnesota: Missions Inc., $21,087
- *New Jersey: Safe in Hunterdon, $60,000
- *Ohio: YWCA of Greater Cincinnati, $60,000 (Purple Leash Project grantee)
- Texas: One Safe Place, $60,000 (Purple Leash Project grantee)
Animal Shelter Grantees:
- Maine: Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals, $60,000
- Michigan: Giving Paws, $30,000
- Ohio: SICSA Pet Adoption and Wellness Center, $14,000
Homeless Shelter Grantees:
- California: The Living Room Center, Inc., $53,000
- Ohio: Found House Interfaith Housing Network, $60,000
- *Ohio: The Door of Hope, $43,000
*Shelters creating their first pet-friendly program.
“YWCA Greater Cincinnati has operated the only domestic violence shelter in Hamilton county, Ohio, since 1978 – this support from RedRover + Purina’s Purple Leash Project allows us to take a historic step forward,” said YWCA President and CEO Rickell Howard Smith. “Our new shelter will be the first in the county to welcome survivors and their pets, ensuring that no one has to choose between safety and leaving a beloved animal behind. We’re proud to lead the way in creating a more compassionate, complete path to healing for survivors and their entire families – pets included.”
“This RedRover grant is a game-changer,” said Stacey Strasser, Executive Director of The Door of Hope. “Our clients are already carrying the heavy burden of crisis, trauma, or displacement. To now be able to tell them, ‘Yes, your pet can come with you,’ is an incredible step toward true healing and safety. It aligns perfectly with our mission to meet people where they are – with dignity, compassion, and support for their whole family, including their furry loved ones.”
