Carlisle, PA – July 2, 2018:  Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland & Perry Counties (DVSCP) was awarded a $10,000 grant from The Diocese of Harrisburg through its Matthew 25 Collection for food, clothing, and shelter. The grant will support DVSCP’s emergency shelter, which serves women, children, and men who are fleeing from violent homes.

Domestic violence is pervasive – in 2017, 117 people lost their lives in Pennsylvania in domestic violence related incidents – a 15% increase from 2016.  National statistics are reflected locally – in 2016, DVSCP housed 153 adults and 160 children for a total of 5,720 shelter days.  This was a 19% increase over the previous year.  While staying at the shelter, residents are provided with food, clothing, medical needs, school supplies, and transportation at no cost to them.  The agency is happy to report that 91.5% of these residents were relocated to safer housing.

The programs and services DVSCP offers are of critical importance to the community. Without this grant, many would be forced to remain in life-threatening home environments instead of working with agency staff to rebuild their lives.  DVSCP is beyond grateful for this generous donation that will help staff serve countless survivors.