Funding Shelter Operations

February 23, 2015

For Immediate Release

 LIGHTFOOT FOUNDATION AWARDS GRANT TO SUPPORT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTER PROGRAM

Boise, ID – The Women’s and Children’s Alliance (WCA) has been awarded a grant of $34,000 from the Lightfoot Foundation. The funds will be used to support the WCA’s shelter program, specifically, for operational costs – maintenance, janitorial, security, crisis line, and utilities.

Leaving an abusive relationship is often a high risk decision. For many domestic violence victims, leaving means that they may not be able to immediately find safe housing or properly feed their children and keep them emotionally and physically safe.

A 2008 multi-state study funded by the U.S. Department of Justice of those who found refuge with domestic violence shelters indicated that if shelter programs had not been available to the victims of domestic abuse, the consequences could have been devastating including homelessness, serious losses including access to children, continued abuse or death.

“The need for this funding is substantiated by increased reports of domestic violence in the areas the WCA serves between 2012 and 2013, as well as enhanced inter-agency referrals and collaboration,” said WCA Deputy Director Bev La Chance.

“By ensuring the viability and sustainability of the WCA’s shelter program, The Lightfoot Foundation is making a critical contribution to the safety and well-being of domestic violence survivors in our community,” said La Chance.

In 2014, the WCA provided 9,583 “safe bed nights” to 176 women and children. This means they were able to sleep without fear – something most people take for granted