Pallone: House Approves Funding for 180 Turning Lives Around Shelter

Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) announced today that the U.S. House of Representatives approved a Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 omnibus bill that includes his request of $950,000 for the design, construction and furnishing of a new domestic violence shelter that is approximately 15,000 square feet and capable of housing up to 12 families at a given time.

Yesterday, the House approved a $410 billion spending bill that combines nine appropriations bills into one omnibus bill funding domestic programs and foreign operations for FY 2009, which officially began on October 1, 2008. The bill now goes to the Senate for its approval before heading to the president's desk for his signature.

The organization, 180 Turning Lives Around, is under contract to purchase a parcel of land in the Bayshore area to serve as the site of a new Safe House. The new facility will serve 35 to 45 women and their children and provide services to clients with physical disabilities. The funds will also provide proper equipment and facilities to guarantee the safety and security of clients at all times, including security cameras, alarms, remote locking, window guard systems and secure perimeter fencing. In addition, the new safe house will include three therapy rooms, work and computer areas and secure storage for clients bringing their belongings.

"Many women and children looking for emergency shelter in Monmouth County have been turned away in the past few years due to insufficient space," Pallone said. "By building a new shelter, 180 Turning Lives Around will be able to help more families and provide an important safe house for low-income people experiencing abuse. I commend the House for recognizing the need for this shelter to ensure that our most vulnerable citizens are kept safe."

Safe Houses offer emergency shelter and protection for victims of domestic violence. It is a welcoming and safe environment where clients can participate in counseling programs and services to help them reclaim power and control in their lives so they can provide a violence-free home for themselves and their children.