The project aims to strengthen ywca utahs domestic violence shelter and ruff havens animal shelter to provide holistic support for domestic violence survivors and their pets

This $390,002 Project Grant award from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime (CFDA 16.582 - Crime Victim Assistance/Discretionary Grants program) aims to strengthen the domestic violence shelter services and resources of YWCA Utah and its subrecipient Ruff Haven animal shelter. The primary activities include installing durable flooring, creating a secure pet park, expanding kennel space, enhancing veterinary care, and supplying essential pet necessities to better accommodate domestic violence survivors and their pets. The project also supports domestic violence survivors in securing stable pet-friendly housing and develops educational materials and training to integrate pets into domestic violence shelters across Utah. The key expected outcomes are enhanced facilities, increased access to veterinary care and pet supplies, and expanded training for domestic violence shelters on pet-friendly policies and procedures. This project underscores the importance of keeping families, including pets, together during times of crisis and acknowledges the profound impact of pets on the emotional well-being and recovery of domestic violence survivors.

Expected outcomes

The project aims to significantly improve the support system for domestic violence survivors and their pets, fostering a safer, more inclusive environment that acknowledges the integral role pets play in the lives of survivors. The expected outcomes include enhanced facilities to support DV survivors and their pets, increased access to funds for veterinary care, pet necessities, and pet-friendly housing, and increased training for DV emergency shelters regarding pet policies and procedures.

Intended beneficiaries

Ywca utah primarily serves survivors of domestic violence who have been rendered homeless due to leaving an abusive relationship. This project aims to support domestic violence survivors and their pets. Subrecipients: ruff haven will be a subrecipient for this application. Ruff haven is utahs only nonprofit offering pet crisis sheltering, assisting individuals facing crises like hospitalization, domestic violence, and housing issues.