Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's office issued the following:
September 5, 2019
Funding Will Be Used to Provide Transitional Housing and Support Services for Survivors of Sexual And Domestic Violence
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E.
Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $450,000 in
federal funding for Retreat, Inc. in East Hampton. The funding was
allocated through the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Transitional
Housing Grant Assistance Program and will be used to provide
transitional housing and support services for survivors of sexual
assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and their families.
Specifically, 15 survivors and their families will be relocated to
housing units on Long Island. Retreat, Inc. will focus their housing and
support services on the needs of the local Latino, Deaf and Disabled,
and rural communities, and for individuals who suffer from substance
abuse.
“Domestic violence and sexual assault
will not be tolerated and we must do everything we can to both prevent
it in the first place and care for survivors. Fortunately, there are
organizations like Retreat, Inc., dedicated to providing counseling,
legal advocacy, educational programs and shelter for survivors of these
horrific crimes and their families,” said Senator Schumer.
“I’m proud to announce this federal funding for Retreat, Inc. to
support their domestic violence and sexual assault housing services and I
will continue working to secure federal resources that help survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault get back on their feet.”
“Sexual assault and domestic violence
are devastating problems, and we must do everything we can to prevent
them. This critical funding will help Retreat, Inc. move survivors and
their families to a safe place,” said Senator Gillibrand.
“It is important that we support the survivors of domestic violence and
sexual assault as they seek assistance. I will continue fighting in the
Senate for the resources that help protect survivors and their
families.”
This funding is awarded through the DOJ’s
Transitional Housing Grant Assistance Program. This program supports
survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and
their families by funding organizations that provide holistic and
survivor-centered short-term or temporary housing with the goal of
transitioning survivors and their families to permanent housing. In
addition, the program funds a range of support services such as rental
and utility assistance, case management, childcare, transportation,
career and financial planning, support groups, job and education
training, and some legal assistance. The program also offers follow-up
services for at least three months after survivors and their families
secure permanent housing.
