$600K In Funding To Keep Manchester Domestic Violence Shelter Open

MANCHESTER, NH — City officials and community members have secured $600k in funding to keep Emily's Place, a domestic violence shelter in Manchester, open, the city announced Tuesday.

The American Rescue Plan money will go toward the purchase of the building housing the shelter, which was in danger of closing after its crisis services operators REACH and the YWCA ended their partnership, according to officials.

Meanwhile, REACH has joined with Bridges: Domestic and Sexual Violence Support for leadership and fiscal oversight until REACH becomes an independent, nonprofit organization, officials said.

"Domestic violence is an abhorrent crime and we must be proactive in protecting those who
suffer from this abuse," Mayor Jay Ruais said Tuesday. "That's where shelters like Emily’s Place play such a critical role in providing crisis services and a safe place to stay."

Crediting state officials including Governor Chris Sununu and advocate organizations for "obligating these funds," Ruais said that they now "have an operational and purchase plan for Emily's Place moving forward, guaranteeing it will remain a vital shelter for our at-risk population."

Sununu said that when he heard from Ruais about the cause, "it was clear that these funds would be put to good use."

Emily’s Place opened as a domestic violence shelter for victims of abuse and their
children in Manchester in 1988, according to officials. The building was donated by two private donors and the shelter was fitted, furnished, and prepared for service through additional donations and time volunteered by community members.

Housing 60-70 individuals annually, Emily's Place provides confidential advocacy services and other trauma-informed services, including support with court processes and financial literacy training.