Alameda Funds Emergency Shelter Program as Domestic Violence Increases
Published on August 07, 2020
On June 2, 2020, the Alameda City Council voted unanimously to allocate $50,000 of emergency federal funding to a local domestic violence program. Alameda is one of the few cities in the County to allocate pandemic funds to assist survivors of domestic violence (others being Hayward and San Leandro).
The $50,000 in federal funding will be used to support an Emergency Shelter Program administered by the Family Violence Law Center. The program will provide access to emergency housing through hotel vouchers for survivors who might otherwise be forced to remain sheltered with an abusive person. The program will also supply other emergency needs such as grocery gift cards and transportation vouchers.
“Our police data show an alarming increase in domestic violence since the shelter in place orders have been in effect,” said Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft. “Tragically, domestic violence is often unseen and occurs across our island, in every social and economic category. Now, the economic and psychological stress caused by the pandemic are contributing to increased disruption for some families. The program we are funding helps people suffering in isolation and dangerous situations to find protection and support. You are not alone.”
In March and April of this year, which coincided with the start of the Shelter-in-Place Order, there were 40 incidences of domestic violence reported in Alameda, compared to 23 incidences over the same period last year. This 73 percent (73%) increase in reported cases prompted the City of Alameda to re-convene its Domestic Violence Task Force in April of this year. Preliminary statistics for May and June 2020, are similar to the number of reports from last year. The Task Force will continue to monitor the data.
The Task Force is a coalition created by the Social Service Human Relations Board in 2000, and assembled over the years as an ad hoc group as the need arises. The Task Force is comprised of Alameda Family Services, Alameda Police Department, Building Futures with Women and Children, Community Development Department, Family Violence Law Center, and Social Service Human Relations Board.
“Many women are facing violence and physical abuse in the home, which is supposed to be the safest place to be during the pandemic,” said Erin Scott, Executive Director for the Family Violence Law Center. “The pandemic and economic dislocation only intensify the isolation and limit the options for getting help.”
The funds are from the assistance package the City will be receiving from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, awarded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
For more information, or if you or someone you know needs support, call the Family Violence Law Center’s at its 24-hour Crisis Line at 1-800-947-8301.
CONTACT:
Eric Fonstein
City of Alameda
efonstein@alamedaca.gov
510-747-6895