Montco's Laurel House, Haven From Domestic Violence, Gets $1M

EAST NORRITON, PA — Laurel House, a Montgomery County organization working to eradicate domestic violence throughout the area for the last 40 years, has received a major funding boost from the state.

The nonprofit has received a $1 million grant to help with a wide array of updates and improvements to their facility in East Norriton.

"The grant to Laurel House is...vital to our community safety," State Sen. Maria Collett said in a statement announcing the funding. "Domestic violence is widely misunderstood and often overlooked until it is too late, and any support we can lend to organizations like Laurel House and the families they serve is critical.”

Founded in 1980, Laurel House began as a shelter as part of the Women's Center of Montgomery County. It became independent and expanded to offer a wide variety of services, ranging from traditional housing to a 24 hour hotline and a children's program. That's in addition to an array of legal advocacy work and collaboration with the community and local law enforcement.

Specifically, the grant will fund renovations and additions like a library, ADA-friendly areas, rooms to accommodate residents with disabilities, a reception area, conference room, communal kitchen and dining room, multiple new bathrooms, a children's play area, storage, and more.

Collett worked alongside State Rep. Liz Hanbidge to bring the funds to Laurel House. The pair also helped the North Penn Volunteer Fire Company receive an identical $1 million grant for station improvements.

The funds come from the state's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, which is administered by the Office of the Budget for economic, cultural, and civic improvement projects statewide.