U.S. Department Of Justice Awards Grant Funds To The YWCA Greater Harrisburg

HARRISBURG – U.S. Attorney David J. Freed joined Mary Quinn, President and CEO at YWCA Greater Harrisburg today, in announcing $1,375,000 in grant funding by the U.S. Department of Justice to the YWCA Greater Harrisburg to assist victims of human trafficking and to support transitional housing for victims.

The award of $925,000 includes funds to support victims of sex trafficking and labor trafficking, as well as for efforts to increase the capacity of communities to respond to human trafficking through the development of interagency partnerships, professional training, and public awareness activities.

The award of $450,000 includes funds to provide aid to victims of sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, and stalking, who are homeless, or in need of transitional housing or other housing assistance. This includes short-term housing assistance and supportive services, and for whom emergency shelter services or other crisis intervention services are unavailable or insufficient.

“Over the course of my career in public service, I have had the opportunity to work together with the dedicated staff at the YWCA of Harrisburg on behalf of victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Human Trafficking and Stalking,” said U.S. Attorney Freed.  “With a small staff and a limited budget, the YWCA provides direct services and advocacy to some of our most vulnerable citizens.  The two grants that we announce today will further support these efforts.  Stable housing is one of the greatest needs for victims and their families.  And while the public has become more aware of the scourge of Human Trafficking, we still have work to do, especially in the area of identifying cases and helping victims transition back into society.  We are proud to partner with the YWCA of Harrisburg on these vital efforts.”

“The continuation of these grants allows the YWCA Greater Harrisburg to maintain services without interruption to a very vulnerable population,” said President and CEO Quinn. “Our ability to serve victims through evidence based practices and build awareness alongside our partners is directly connected to the health and safety of our communities. The YWCA Greater Harrisburg is a driving force that transform lives and with the support of the community we can create a more just community for all.”

The awards were made by the three grant-making components of the Department of Justice – Office on Violence Against Women, the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, and the Office of Justice Programs.

About the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services:

The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 130,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.

About the Office of Justice Programs:

The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal justice system. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

About the Office on Violence Against Women:

The Office on Violence Against Women provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.

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