CONTACT:
Laura Sherman, RESPOND, Inc., 617-625-5996, lauras@respondinc.org
DATE: June 28, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RESPOND, INC. RECEIVES $50K SUSTAINING 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 a recipient of a Cummings Foundation’s Sustaining Grant in the amount of $50,000, renewable for up to nine additional years without a further competitive application process. An original awardee of the $100K for 100 grant, the Somerville-based organization was then selected from this group of 100 as one of 30 local charities to receive the Sustaining Grant.
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, we can continue to save lives.” –Jessica Brayden, CEO, RESPOND, Inc.
The Cummings Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. They shared, “The RESPOND model is so successful that it is being replicated nationwide. The educated and hands-on leadership staff is outstanding and passionate about their charge of keeping survivors safe. They are thrifty, efficient, optimistic, and outside-the-box thinkers who leveraged their initial Cummings grant with energy and zeal. They are nonprofit pros – articulate, devoted, and willing to do anything to help survivors of abuse. A particularly caring and progressive organization, RESPOND is simply indispensable.”
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, Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester and Woburn. Programs and services include an emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis hotline, individual and group counseling, legal advocacy, community outreach 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
