Providence, RI – Today, in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse announced a $1 million federal earmark for Sojourner House which has been used to provide new affordable housing in Rhode Island for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
“Every Rhode Islander deserves to have a healthy, safe, and affordable place to call home. Sojourner House does a tremendous job uplifting survivors of domestic violence and other forms of abuse and ensuring that they have the resources and guidance they need to rebuild and thrive. I’m proud to team up with Senator Whitehouse to support Sojourner House’s work and deliver this $1 million federal earmark that is already helping to provide homes for courageous survivors and their families,” said Senator Reed.
“Sojourner House does heroic work helping survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking when they need somewhere to turn,” said Senator Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and former Rhode Island Attorney General. “This federal funding allowed Sojourner House to provide survivors with a safe, affordable place to call home as they reclaim their lives.”
Sojourner House used the funding to acquire and renovate a multi-family property in Providence that survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking can rent on an affordable sliding scale. The building includes three three-bedroom units, all of which are already occupied by tenants.
“For survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, housing is more than a roof over one’s head—it’s safety, stability, and the chance to rebuild a life,” said Vanessa Volz, President and CEO of Sojourner House. “This investment brings us closer to our vision that every survivor in Rhode Island will have a safe, affordable place to call home. We are deeply grateful to Senators Reed and Whitehouse for recognizing that housing is a critical part of ending the cycle of violence.”
“As we close out October and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we must reaffirm our commitment to supporting survivors of abuse,” said General Treasurer Diossa. “It’s crucial to recognize the signs of abuse, support survivors, and engage in conversations that promote understanding and healing.”
Last year, Sojourner House served 1,852 Rhode Islanders. After launching its Affordable Housing Development program in 2021, Sojourner House became one of the few domestic violence organizations in the country that is working to create more affordable housing units for survivors of abuse. To date, 42 agency-owned affordable apartment units have been created. Additionally, the nonprofit has provided 78 victims with permanent supportive housing – a seven percent increase over the previous year.
