SEVEN Domestic Violence Shelters to Welcome Pets for First Time
Sacramento, CA (May 17, 2023) – RedRover® has reached a milestone by awarding $572,502 in Safe Housing grants in this latest round of funding, the most ever for a single round, thanks in part to Purina and PetSmart Charities! Safe Housing grants are available up to $60,000 and can be used to build or renovate spaces dedicated to housing survivors’ pets, to create a foster program, to pay for temporary boarding, or can be used for a combination of services. Funds may also go toward routine veterinary care, emergency veterinary care, and pet deposits
RedRover President and CEO Nicole Forsyth said, “We’re thrilled these grants can help domestic violence shelters overcome barriers to creating pet-friendly spaces, enabling even more survivors and their pets to escape abuse. We will keep working diligently to ensure that 25% of domestic violence shelters become pet friendly by 2025.”
This cycle, 11 domestic violence shelters and 1 animal shelter were awarded Safe Housing grants –*7 shelters can welcome pets for the first time.
RedRover + Purina Purple Leash Project DV Shelter Grantees:
- *The Women’s Safe House, St. Louis County, Missouri – $60,000
- *Safelight Inc., Henderson County, North Carolina – $60,000
- *F.A.I.T.H. Inc., Rabun County, Georgia – $60,000
- *Schuylkill Hope Center, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania – $60,000
DV Shelter Grantees:
- *Sunrise of Pasco County, Inc., Pasco County, Florida – $60,000 (funded by PetSmart Charities)
- *Peace River Center for Personal Development, Inc., Polk County, Florida – $60,000 (funded by PetSmart Charities)
- Women’s Advocates, Ramsey County, Minnesota – $18,200
- Turningpoint for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence, Pierce and St. Croix Counties, Wisconsin – $60,000
- Domestic Violence Resource Center, Washington County, Oregon – $16,502
- *Steps to End Domestic Violence, Chittenden County, Vermont – $57,000 (funded by PetSmart Charities)
- YWCA of Kitsap County, Kitsap County, Washington – $40,800
Animal Shelter Grantee:
- Big Sky CARES, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana – $20,000
“Steps to End Domestic Violence is thrilled to receive RedRover’s Safe Housing grant! It increases access to our services by transforming our shelter into a pet-friendly facility,” said Executive Director Nicole Kubon. “Soon we’ll be welcoming all pets into our building, removing a significant barrier for many survivors in their efforts to flee domestic violence. No one should have to leave their pets behind and, thanks to RedRover, the people we serve won’t have to.”
“The RedRover Safe Housing grant will allow the YWCA Kitsap ALIVE Program to provide kennel boarding for pets, transportation for visits, food and initial vet Care,” said Jackie Brown, YWCA of Kitsap County Transitional Housing manager. “This will allow families to make sure their pets are safe too. Thank you RedRover!”
Stay tuned for our 25×2025 campaign launch in July, generously powered by PetSmart Charities! To learn how you can help, 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:
- As many as 71% of pet-owning women entering DV shelters reported their abuser injured, killed, or threatened family pets (F.R. Ascione)
- Up to 48% of DV victims reported delaying leaving an abuser for fear of what would happen if they left their pets behind (F.R. Ascione)
- 91% of survivors indicated their pets’ emotional support and physical protection are significant in their ability to survive and heal
- Currently, only 17% of DV shelters nationwide are pet friendly (“pet friendly” means shelters can accept companion animals/pets, in addition to service and emotional support animals)
###
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 197 grants to shelters in 46 states, totaling more than $3.6 million and providing more than 443,000 safe nights for pets. 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.
Contact: Sheri Madsen
916.600.8157 cell