The Retreat, a domestic violence shelter and support and prevention program headquartered in East Hampton, has received a $450,000 federal grant, Representative Lee Zeldin recently announced.
The grant will allow the Retreat to expand its transitional housing program for victims of domestic violence, according to Loretta K. Davis, the organization's executive director.
"With this kind of critical, essential support, families can relocate to a safe place, children can be enrolled in school, jobs can be secured, and a new life begins leading to a permanent, safe home," Ms. Davis said in a statement. "Since survivors can take advantage of our free comprehensive services, including counseling, advocacy, job placement, and financial planning, this grant really does help survivors transform their lives. We are so thankful for the award of this grant because of the significant impact it has on the lives of our clients."
Representative Zeldin said domestic violence is the third leading cause of homelessness among families. "Every year, millions of women and men are victims of domestic violence, affecting those from every walk of life, oftentimes without the knowledge of many of those closest to them," he said in a statement. "Having a safe place to seek shelter, a roof over their heads, and the opportunity to get back on their feet is vital to breaking the cycle of violence for victims and their families."
The grant comes from part of the Violence Against Women Act known as the Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Program." The program was approved by the federal government in April, with Mr. Zeldin voting in favor of it.