Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2024, $499,998)
SBCS is seeking funding from the United States Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) FY24 Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance Grant Program to implement an innovative policy at Casa Segura, our emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence. This initiative will allow victims and their families to keep their pets with them, significantly enhancing their emotional and psychological well-being. Accepting pets will also significantly positively impact a person's decision to leave an abusive relationship, knowing they can flee with their pet. This policy could set a precedent for similar programs and further enhance our ability to support victims, showcasing SBCS' ongoing response to evolving community needs since 1971.
Casa Segura has been operational since 1993, providing critical services to thousands of families. Despite being a major shelter and DV service provider, SBCS has historically not accepted pets other than service and emotional support animals. Under this project, and in recognition of the significance of this gap, we will open the door to pets with greatly reduced barriers. Allowing pets to stay with their owners will offer critical emotional support, reduce anxiety, and contribute to the overall healing process for victims.
The proposed services include emergency shelter and housing assistance, assistance with expenses for relocation and/or temporary shelter housing, boarding or fostering of companion animals, and support services designed to enable victims to locate and secure safe housing along with their pets. These components will ensure that victims of domestic violence receive the comprehensive care they need in a supportive and stable environment. The funding from OVC will enable SBCS to expand our services, ensuring that victims of domestic violence with pets receive holistic care that addresses their emotional, psychological, and practical needs.