Womens advocates will support pet-friendly elements in the cleveland avenue shelter expansion project, which will create up to 72 new shelter beds for twin cities metro area victim-survivor families…

The Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Victims of Crime awarded Women's Advocates Inc. $500,000 on October 1, 2025, under the Crime Victim Assistance/Discretionary Grants program (CFDA 16.582) to support pet-friendly elements in the Cleveland Avenue Shelter expansion project.

The expansion will create up to 72 new shelter beds for Twin Cities metro area victim-survivor families experiencing domestic violence and their companion animals. The expanded Women's Advocates Pet Shelter Program will provide intensive housing navigation services to help residents secure pet-friendly permanent housing, along with up to 24 months of financial support to facilitate that transition.

The award covers the period October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028, with performance at the St. Paul, Minnesota location. Women's Advocates Inc. is a St. Paul-based nonprofit that provides comprehensive support services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking, with focus on addressing homelessness and supporting vulnerable populations across the Twin Cities region.

Womens advocates will support pet-friendly elements in the cleveland avenue shelter expansion project, which will create up to 72 new shelter beds for twin cities metro area victim-survivor families of domestic violence and their companion animals. The expanded women's advocates pet shelter program will also support shelter residents in obtaining pet-friendly permanent housing through intensive housing navigation services and up to 24 months of financial support.