SafeChoice receives $3 million grant to prevent homelessness

Posted

SafeChoice, the domestic violence program of YWCA Clark County, has received a $3 million grant to help prevent homelessness.

The multi-year grant was awarded by the Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund at the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington. 

“A grant of this magnitude is transformative to our community, expanding access to a safe, confidential location with supportive services for more women in Clark County,” said Holly Jacobs, the board president of YWCA Clark County. “We are so appreciative of this investment.” 

Domestic violence is a major cause of homelessness for women as half of all homeless women and children have fled abuse, stated a news release. YWCA Clark County plans to increase its SafeChoice shelter capacity to address the issue and plans to enhance its holistic services that provide support to survivors of domestic violence. 

“We have an emergent need for additional services to address domestic violence in our comunity,” said Michael Lynch, a representitve of the fund at the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington.

Lynch said the advisors saw the urgency since domestic violence rates are increasing, stated the release. 



“This is a critical moment where providing the needed services to women and children can interrupt the cycle of poverty and launch an exit from survival mode, while restoring freedom and independence,” Lynch said. “The advisors believe that investing in the YWCA’s incredible and effective program will help make this happen.” 

YWCA Clark County serves over 12,000 people, including survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, youth aging out of foster care and preschool children at-risk of experiencing homelessness. Its mission “is to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all,” stated the release. 

For more on YWCA Clark County, visit ywcaclarkcounty.org or go to its social media pages @YWCACC.