State Funding To Assist Bucks County Domestic Violence Shelter

A Woman’s Place, Bucks County’s sole domestic violence organization, will receive $6.1 million in state funding to construct a new non-congregate domestic violence shelter.

The grant was announced Tuesday by State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, a Democrat, who said it will expand the organization’s capacity to provide safe housing and services for survivors.

The funding comes through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) HOME Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan Non-Congregate Shelter Program.

The new facility funded by the money will be able to host up to 10 households at a time, a significant increase from the current seven-bedroom community living facility. The center will be designed to offer a more trauma-informed space and will better serve the diverse needs of the community, including accommodating survivors of all genders and those with pets, according to Santarsiero’s office.

Santarsiero noted the critical role A Woman’s Place plays in the county.

“A Woman’s Place does incredible work in our community, helping some of our most vulnerable citizens through crisis intervention, counseling and education,” said Santarsiero. “I proudly supported this funding, as it will expand the county’s capacity to provide safe housing for victims and allow for more comprehensive services to accommodate the diverse needs of our community.”

Jen Locker, executive director of A Woman’s Place, was grateful for the state support.

“We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a part of building a safe house that truly meets the complex needs of survivors and expands our capacity to provide safety, support, and hope for those seeking safety in our community,” said Locker.

Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia, a Democrat and social worker, said the county is commitment to the project.

“The county is thrilled with this grant and we will contribute, our own grant, to make this much needed shelter a reality,” Ellis-Marseglia said.

Last year, A Woman’s Place provided shelter to more than 50 adults and 65 children, offered legal assistance to hundreds, and conducted education and prevention work with more than 7,000 Bucks County residents.

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