The Women's Fund Haven Grant

Recently, Haven shared an update with the Women’s Fund on the ways they have been able to use their grant funding to help individual’s facing life threatening situations.The donation they received from The Women’s Fund was specifically used to assist clients with emergency repairs to property damaged by their abusers.

In an effort to retain control or prevent a victim from leaving, abusers often damage property such as slashing car tires, breaking windows and kicking down doors. These seemingly small repairs can create a financial hardship. Having the funds to assist with the repairs not only alleviates the financial burden, but offers the victim a sense of safety and security.

One specific example includes a client whose boyfriend’s violence had escalated into very lethal behavior. One night he broke down her front door and attempted to strangle her while her two young children were in the home. While the police attempted to locate and arrest the abuser, they were unable to find him. Fearful that he may return again, the woman was scared to return to her home until she was able to repair and securely lock her door.

Thanks to the funds provided by The Women’s Fund, HAVEN was able to help pay for the door repairs and locks. Her abuser was eventually arrested and is now facing felony charges. However, in the days leading to his arrest, the security that her new door and locks provided made a tremendous difference to her and her children.

As Oakland County’s center for the prevention and treatment of domestic violence and sexual assault, each year HAVEN provides education, advocacy, counseling and shelter to nearly 30,000 individuals. “However, we would not be able provide our critical services without the generosity of the community. Each year we operate on a budget of less than $3 million, with about 85% going directly to support those who need it most,” said Rachel M. Decker Executive Director, HAVEN Foundation