Grants Give Safe Haven to Defenseless Pets
Sacramento, CA (July 26, 2021) – RedRover has awarded $241,715 in Safe Housing grant funds to 13 shelters nationwide in their first 2021 grant period. RedRover’s Safe Housing grants enable domestic violence shelters to create on- and off-site space to house pets and also allows animal shelters to build dedicated housing for animal victims of abuse. Four of the 13 grants awarded are RedRover + Purina Purple Leash Project grants, an extension of RedRover’s Safe Housing grants. And in the third grant cycle of its kind, five Safe Housing Animal Shelter grants were awarded for a total of $100,000.
Since 2012, RedRover has given 151 grants to shelters in 44 states, totaling more than $1.7 million, and equaling more than 387,200 safe nights for pets. Additionally, Safe Housing grants have created the first pet-friendly domestic violence shelter in nine states!
RedRover President and CEO Nicole Forsyth said, “These grants can be lifesaving for domestic violence survivors who have pets and are afraid to leave them behind. They enable survivors to take that brave step to leave their abuser and find safe haven at a shelter together with their pets.”
Safe Housing grantees during this application period:
Domestic Violence Shelters
- Stillwater Domestic Violence Services, Inc. dba Wings of Hope Family Crisis Services – Payne County, OK, $20,000
- Safe Harbor Crisis Center – Davis County, UT, $20,000
- The Ark Domestic Violence Shelter – Brown County, TX, $8,765
- Peace House Inc. – Summit County, UT, $20,000
- *NextStep Domestic Violence Project – Washington County, ME, $2,593
Purple Leash Project Domestic Shelter grantees
- *NextStep Domestic Violence Project – Washington County, ME, $17,407
- Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program – Athens County, OH, $12,950
- Services to Abused Families – Culpeper County, VA, $20,000
- Domestic Sexual Assault Outreach Center – Webster County, IA, $20,000
Animal Shelters
- Wadena County Humane Society – Wadena County, MN, $20,000
- Souris Valley Animal Shelter – Ward County, ND $20,000
- Friends of Cabot Animal Support Services – Lonoke County, AR, $20,000
- The Kauai Humane Society – Kauai County, HI, $20,000
- Hope’s 2nd Chance Animal Sanctuary – Ionia County, MI, $20,000
Mike Wheeler, director of Cabot Animal Support Services said, “As a humane community, we have a responsibility to help our neighbors. This does not apply to just those who are open about their struggles in life but most importantly those who are too afraid to speak up. We are humbled by the grant provided by RedRover that will allow us to offer boarding for the pets of those faced with domestic violence. This will remove one very crucial barrier for individuals who fear that leaving their abuser would put their pets at risk of taking on that abuse in their place. Thank you, RedRover, for caring enough to help.”
According to research conducted by Dr. Frank Ascione, as many as 71 percent of pet-owning women entering domestic violence shelters report their abuser injured, killed, or threatened family pets for revenge or psychological control. Additionally, up to 48 percent of domestic violence victims reported delaying leaving their abusers because they feared what would happen to their pets.
Safe Harbor’s Grant Writer Hailey Cragun said, “Thanks to RedRover, we will be able to create a comfortable, outdoor kennel for our survivors’ beloved pets. This seemingly small action will save lives, as pets are often used to control victims and prevent them from exiting life-threatening situations. Having pets onsite can create a sense of normalcy for victims, which can contribute to a faster recovery. We are enthusiastic about our burgeoning pet program and filled with gratitude for RedRover’s contribution.”
RedRover and Purina set a goal to help ensure 25% of domestic violence shelters are pet-friendly by 2025. Deadlines to apply for Safe Housing and Purple Leash Project grants are May 15 and October 15 each year. To learn more, visit: redrover.org/SafeHousing.
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About RedRover
Since 1987, RedRover has focused on bringing animals out of crisis and strengthening the human-animal bond through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance, and education. To learn how RedRover is creating a more compassionate world, visit RedRover.org.
About Purina
Nestlé Purina PetCare creates richer lives for pets and the people who love them. Founded in 1894, Purina has helped dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives by offering scientifically based nutritional innovations. Purina manufactures some of the world’s most trusted and popular pet care products, including Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Fancy Feast and Tidy Cats. Our more than 8,700 U.S. associates take pride in our trusted pet food, treat and litter brands that feed 51 million dogs and 65 million cats every year. More than 500 Purina scientists, veterinarians, and pet care experts ensure our commitment to unsurpassed quality and nutrition.
Purina promotes responsible pet care through our scientific research, our products and our support for pet-related organizations. Over the past five years, Purina has contributed more than $150 million towards organizations that bring, and keep, people and pets together, as well as those that help our communities and environment thrive. Purina is part of Nestlé, a global leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness. For more information, visit purina.com or subscribe here to get the latest Purina news.
Contact: Sheri Madsen
916-600-8157 cell
smadsen@redrover.org