2016 Cummings Grant Press Release
CONTACT:
Jasmine Lopez Calderon, RESPOND, Inc., 617-625-5996, jasmine@respondinc.org
DATE: June 8, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RESPOND, INC. RECEIVES $100K GRANT FROM CUMMINGS FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SUVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
SOMERVILLE—RESPOND, Inc., New England’s first domestic violence agency and the second oldest in the nation, is thrilled to announce it is one of 100 local nonprofits to receive grants of $100,000 each from the Cummings Foundation’s “$100K for 100” program. RESPOND was chosen from a total of 479 applicants, during a competitive review process.
These funds will ensure 160 low-income, homeless survivors of domestic violence receive access to RESPOND’s housing assistance program over the next two years. Access to safe shelter and housing remains a primary concern for all survivors of domestic violence. Many survivors’ first instinct is to approach the already overburdened anti-homelessness agencies with little to no success. RESPOND developed its housing assistance program to address the unique needs of domestic violence survivors and fill the gap left by anti-homelessness agencies. Since implementing its program, 75% of RESPOND’s shelter residents have found long-term housing and had no need to ever return to their abuser.
“RESPOND’s program provides immediate shelter and safety in the short-term, as well as the skills and tools to gain self-sufficiency and housing stability in the long-term. Without access to safe long-term housing, survivors are forced back into their abusive homes. Thanks to this critical funding from the Cummings Foundation, we can continue to save lives.” said Jessica Brayden, Executive Director.
The Cummings Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. “We admire and very much appreciate the important work that nonprofit organizations like RESPOND are doing in the local communities where our colleagues and clients live and work,” said Joel Swets, Cummings Foundations’ Executive Director. “We are delighted to support their efforts.”
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About RESPOND, Inc.
RESPOND, Inc., New England’s first domestic violence agency and the second oldest in the nation, reaches over 10,000 survivors of domestic violence each year through free, confidential community and shelter-based services. RESPOND is based in Somerville and serves communities throughout Greater Boston and beyond with a special emphasis on Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Somerville, Cambridge, Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester and Woburn. Programs and services include an emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis hotline, individual and group counseling, legal advocacy, community outreach, housing assistance and educational programs. Services are provided in multiple languages. For assistance, please call RESPOND’s 24-hour hotline at 617-623-5900. For more information on volunteering or to make a donation please call 617-625-5996 or visit www.respondinc.org
