Source: Philly Burbs
A project to expand Bucks County’s only domestic violence shelter got a $6.11 million boost in state funding.
The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) HOME Investment PartnershipsAmerican Rescue Plan Non-Congregate Shelter Program, said a press release from State Sen. Steve Santarsiero’s office Tuesday.
The funds would go to Bucks County and A Woman’s Place.
The current shelter is a 7-bedroom community living facility in the county, but for safety of its residence we do not share its address. It will accommodate domestic violence survivors of all genders and survivors with pets. Fear over where pets will go can be a barrier for some to seek help, experts have found.
The safe house will be able to host up to 10 households at a time and will provide a “more trauma-informed space for the survivors,” according to the press release.
“A Woman’s Place does incredible work in our community, helping some of our most vulnerable citizens through crisis intervention, counseling and education,” said Santarsiero, D-10th, of Lower Makefield. “I proudly supported this funding, as it will expand the county’s capacity to provide safe housing for victims and allow for more comprehensive services to accommodate the diverse needs of our community.”
A Woman’s Place is the only domestic violence community benefit organization in Bucks County, providing a full range of programs and services to individuals experiencing domestic violence, their children, and the community.
For nearly 50 years, A Woman’s Place has served Bucks County with community education programs and victim support, including legal services and emergency shelter for women and children.
“We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a part of building a safe house that truly meets the complex needs of survivors and expands our capacity to provide safety, support, and hope for those seeking safety in our community,” said Jen Locker, executive director of A Woman’s Place. She could not be reached for comment on the plans for the new shelter, including a timeline for construction or completion.
In 2023, the agency served more than 2,000 clients including answering hotline calls and providing emergency housing for 49 adults and 69 children, and more than 8,500 hours of counseling and legal advocacy.
Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia added, “The County is thrilled with this grant and we will contribute, our own grant, to make this much needed shelter a reality.”
The A Woman’s Place funding will appear as a proposed revenue on agenda in an upcoming meeting of the Bucks County Commissioners, who need to accept and allocate the funds to the agency.