YWCA Clark County wins $3 million grant

YWCA Clark County’s SafeChoice Domestic Violence Program has received a $3 million, multi-year grant from the Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund at the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington.

The grant is aimed at preventing homelessness and will be used to expand the SafeChoice shelter, and to enhance holistic services such as family support, housing advocacy, follow up services and prevention education, according to YWCA Clark County spokesperson Pua Trice.

The grant will allow the SafeChoice shelter to add up to 14 additional units, Trice said.

“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 YWCA Clark County Board President Holly Jacobs.

Approximately two in 10 women in Washington report having experienced domestic violence at some point in their lifetimes, and almost 90 percent sustained physical injuries, according to Trice.

“Without access to emergency shelter, survivors are at risk of homelessness, continued abuse or even death, and losing custody of their children,” Trice said. “Expanding access to safety and resources for all survivors is crucial as the pandemic has shown an increase in rates of domestic violence and sexual assault.”

To support YWCA Clark County, visit ywcaclarkcounty.org.