Tester Announces Nearly $350,000 for Survivors of Domestic Violence in Carbon County

(U.S. Senate) – U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced today that Carbon County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services will receive $349,986 to support its transitional housing program for survivors of domestic violence.

“These resources will provide a safe home for women and children in their darkest hour,” said Tester. “As we all work to reduce these heinous crimes, these grants go a long way in providing security for survivors and their families.”

The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women and is specifically allocated to provide victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and their families with temporary housing as they receive assistance in their search for more permanent refuge.

“This grant not only helps survivors of domestic abuse immediately escape dangerous living situations,” said Kelly Heaton, Executive Director of Carbon County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. “It also funds a two-year transitional program, giving these survivors a safe place to heal and recover while we help them get back on their feet.”

Specifically, this funding will enable the organization to provide 13 survivors and their families with transitional housing as well as case management, advocacy, professional counseling, childcare, transportation, career counseling, job training, and other support services to help them find permanent residences. This initiative is a collaboration between Carbon County Domestic and Sexual Violence Services and five local partners, including the Tri-County Victim/Witness Program and the Carbon and Stillwater County Offices of Public Assistance.

The DOJ’s Transitional Housing Grant Assistance Program is made possible by the 2013 Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, which Tester help get passed through the Senate and ultimately signed into law.