Washington, DC – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $450,000 in federal funding for Retreat, Inc. in East Hampton. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Transitional Housing Grant Assistance Program and will be used to provide transitional housing and support services for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and their families. Specifically, 15 survivors and their families will be relocated to housing units on Long Island. Retreat, Inc. will focus their housing and support services on the needs of the local Latino, Deaf and Disabled, and rural communities, and for individuals who suffer from substance abuse.
“Domestic violence and sexual assault will not be tolerated and we must do everything we can to both prevent it in the first place and care for survivors. Fortunately, there are organizations like Retreat, Inc., dedicated to providing counseling, legal advocacy, educational programs and shelter for survivors of these horrific crimes and their families,” said Senator Schumer. “I’m proud to announce this federal funding for Retreat, Inc. to support their domestic violence and sexual assault housing services and I will continue working to secure federal resources that help survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault get back on their feet.”
“Sexual assault and domestic violence are devastating problems, and we must do everything we can to prevent them. This critical funding will help Retreat, Inc. move survivors and their families to a safe place,” said Senator Gillibrand. “It is important that we support the survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault as they seek assistance. I will continue fighting in the Senate for the resources that help protect survivors and their families.”
This funding is awarded through the DOJ’s Transitional Housing Grant Assistance Program. This program supports survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and their families by funding organizations that provide holistic and survivor-centered short-term or temporary housing with the goal of transitioning survivors and their families to permanent housing. In addition, the program funds a range of support services such as rental and utility assistance, case management, childcare, transportation, career and financial planning, support groups, job and education training, and some legal assistance. The program also offers follow-up services for at least three months after survivors and their families secure permanent housing.