A GIANT STEP CLOSER TO BREAKING NEW GROUND

We have exciting news! After months of back and forth, the DC Council unanimously passed its FY21 on July 28, 2020. The budget includes $3M for a new domestic violence shelter, which means we are closer than ever to being able to break ground on  the new facility for our SAFE Space Crisis Shelter! 

So many of our supporters participated in the budget advocacy that went into the Council’s decision, and we want to extend our sincerest thanks for your efforts. We are happy to have had the support of the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the DV community at large throughout the budget season to advocate for the needs of survivors, which, as you know, have become even more acute during the pandemic. In addition, we are so grateful for the continued and proactive support of Councilmembers Charles Allen, Brianne Nadeau, and Kenyan McDuffie. 

Amidst increased calls for domestic violence services due to COVID-19, the $3M for a new facility is essential. Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve provided crisis shelter at the existing SAFE Space location for over 100 survivors and their children. But due to limited capacity at the current facility, we’ve also made over 150 emergency hotel placements. 

The new facility will be fundamental in helping us meet the ongoing and escalated need for crisis housing caused by the pandemic. It will double the crisis shelter’s current capacity, offering 30 apartment-style units and on-site support services, such as counseling and childcare. 

As you know, one of the most critical elements of assisting domestic violence survivors is being able to provide safe and accessible housing in a time of crisis. Our Shelter Director, Michelle Sewell, said it best: “The DC Council has demonstrated their commitment to survivors with the approval of these funds. They have positioned DC SAFE to move forward in realizing a much needed resource in the District."

Thank you for your help making the new shelter a reality! We look forward to sharing more milestones as we get even closer to accomplishing this dream. We expect groundbreaking to begin early next year!