Sacramento, CA (June 11, 2024) – RedRover® has awarded $438,900 in Safe Housing grants to domestic violence, animal, and homeless shelters to create or expand pet housing programs in the latest grant cycle. For the first time $200,000 was awarded to three homeless shelters to build pet-friendly spaces thanks to the generous support of an anonymous donor! Additionally, $222,800 in funding was awarded to five domestic violence shelters, and $16,100 was awarded to two animal shelters.
Safe Housing grants of up to $60,000 are available, and can be used to build or renovate spaces dedicated to housing domestic survivors’ pets, to create a foster program, to pay for temporary boarding, or for a combination of services. Funds may also go toward routine veterinary care, emergency veterinary care, and pet boarding deposits.
RedRover has recently partnered with KONG, producer of high-quality toys and treats. KONG is supporting RedRover’s Safe Housing program and will provide dog and cat toys to all Safe Housing grantees for the year.
RedRover President and CEO Katie Campbell said, “This Safe Housing grant cycle round holds an extra special place in my heart. For the first time we can offer funding to homeless shelters so that they can create spaces to protect their guests and their beloved pets. The additional funding helps domestic violence survivors and their pets seek safety together, to begin the healing process together.”
RedRover + Purina Purple Leash Project DV Shelter Grantees:
DV Shelter Grantees:
Homeless Shelter Grantees:
Animal Shelter Grantees:
*Shelters that will become pet friendly for the first time.
Response Housing Program Manager Tiffaney Bledsaw said, “Response strives to remove any barriers preventing survivors of domestic abuse from seeking shelter or safety. Thanks to RedRover’s Safe Housing grant we will be able to implement a pet-friendly program for our newly constructed shelter, where survivors can begin to heal from trauma with their animal companions.”
“We never want someone who’s experiencing domestic violence to feel that they can’t leave that situation because they’re scared of what would happen to their pets,” said Jacqueline Collazo, VOA-GNY’s director of domestic violence services. “Animals can be a crucial source of emotional support and a much-needed sense of normalcy, and we’re delighted to be working with RedRover + Purina’s Purple Leash Project to better support survivors with pets.”
Deep Roots, Inc. Executive Director John Thompson said, “With this invaluable RedRover grant, we’ll transform our space into a sanctuary where pets aren’t just tolerated, but cherished and celebrated for the comfort, love, and support they provide to their human companions during life’s lowest points. Keeping families together holds an extraordinary power of healing, one that every member of the family, furry or otherwise, truly deserves.”
“It is heartbreaking to work with a victim who refuses to leave an abuser without their companion pet, and we recognize the importance of preserving that bond,” said Safe Haven of Pender and Duplin Counties COO Felicia Greene. “The RedRover grant will allow Safe Haven of Pender, Inc. to provide emergency shelter for victims and their pets, in the same residential room. We are grateful for the opportunity.”
“I am so thankful for RedRover’s Safe Housing grant,” said Family Crisis Support Services, Inc. Executive Director, Marybeth M. Adkins. “Working with victims of domestic/sexual assault and children as secondary victims, being able to keep their pets while in safe housing provides comfort, stability, and a sense of normalcy, offering emotional support and companionship during a traumatic time. For years, I’ve witnessed victims remain in situations because we couldn’t house a pet, now because of RedRover we will begin building housing for pets.”
Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley Shelter Program Manager Amy Cooper said, “Thanks to RedRover, we have been able to expand our pet program and create a cleaner, more welcoming atmosphere for our clients, their families, and their companion pets.”
The Kaua’i Humane Society Executive Director, Nicole Schafer Crane said, “Sometimes finding a safe place means leaving the island of Kaua’i, and thanks to RedRover’s Safe Housing grant, victims of domestic violence do not have to decide to leave their pet behind. This grant will cover the cost of boarding and flying pets off the island to where their owners have relocated, helping protect both pets and survivors.”
“RedRover’s Safe Housing grant means individuals and families in crisis, who would not access our help if it meant surrendering a beloved pet, will now benefit from more programming that allows us to shelter and service their pets as well,” states Community Homeless Solution’s Executive Director Greg Baker. Their HRC Shelter Manager, Eve Mata adds, “Our pet-parent-guests consistently let us know how much love and support their pets bring them, and we are so happy we can let parents and pets stay in our shelter while pet-parents work to attain stable housing.”
With the generosity of PetSmart Charities, last year RedRover launched the 25 by 2025 campaign with Greater Good Charities and with the support of Purina. This national initiative aims to help 25% of domestic violence shelters to become pet friendly by 2025.To learn how to join the movement, visit 25by2025.org.
Safe Housing grant application deadlines are March 1, June 1, and September 1. To learn more, visit: RedRover.org/SafeHousing.
Pets and Domestic Violence:
About RedRover
Founded in 1987, RedRover focuses on bringing animals out of crisis and strengthening the human-animal bond through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance, and education. Since 2012, RedRover has awarded 220 grants to shelters in 46 states, totaling more than $4.5 million. Additionally, Safe Housing grants have created the first pet-friendly domestic violence shelter in 10 states! RedRover has earned a coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. To learn how RedRover is creating a more compassionate world, visit RedRover.org.
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