Shelter support for domestic violence survivors locked in through 2027
Adrik Vargas
EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – Imperial County has approved new funding to help keep two housing programs running, including one that supports domestic violence survivors.
WomanHaven’s Safe Home Program will now be funded through 2027, helping keep its emergency shelters open for people escaping dangerous situations.
“The funding is gonna be able to let us keep the doors open,” said Gina Vargas, Executive Director of WomanHaven. “It’s gonna allow us to continue to operate a 24/7 emergency shelter.”
Thanks to past grants, the program has already grown from two shelter spots to three full emergency shelters.
“We have expanded from offering room for two to having three emergency shelters due to grant funding,” Vargas said.
Johana Ramirez with Sure Helpline, a group that works closely with WomanHaven, says the need for shelter space in Imperial Valley is ongoing, especially for people with kids.
“Many times, the reason they don’t leave is economic reasons, or they don’t have a place to move to with children,” she said. “And many times when they contact local resources, shelters are already full.”
Ramirez says stable support like this gives survivors real options and hope.
“When they do experience victimization, we want them to have that support,” she said. “And to make that happen, we need to grow housing services in Imperial Valley.”
With this new support in place, WomanHaven says they’re focused on continuing to offer safety, and a fresh start.