Gateway Domestic Violence Center awarded $50K grant

GAINESVILLE - The Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County has awarded a $50,000 Signature Grant to Gateway Domestic Violence Center.

Gateway will use the grant money to assist in building six transitional apartments for domestic violence victims in our community. This new housing project will provide safe housing to women who have been physically, sexually or emotionally abused by their husband or partner, who have young children in their care and who are living in poverty.

"The need for transitional housing is great. Domestic violence is a problem that affects at least one out of four women, and it affects women from all walks of life," said Jessica Butler, executive director of Gateway Domestic Violence Center. "We are so appreciative of the vision of the Junior League, and that its members see the need in our community and are willing to help address that need."

Gateway representatives said that families would rent-free in these units for an average of six months as they save money for their rent and moving expenses after living in Gateway's emergency shelter. These six new transitional apartments will allow Gateway to serve 12 families per year.