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Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County Receives $25,000 Impact Grant from Peoples Bank

June 12, 2018

Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS)

WhatcomTalk

Peoples Bank awarded Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County (DVSAS) a $25,000 Peoples Bank Impact Grant. The grant will be used to furnish a new 11-bed shelter opening this summer that will house single, female-identified survivors. This is the second Impact Grant awarded by Peoples Bank. Last year a $25,000 grant was awarded to Skagit Habitat for Humanity for the purchase of a new utility van.

“Shelter is the last resort for many survivors. By the time they come to DVSAS, they have likely been through at least one traumatic and emotional event,” said Jessica Heck, Development Director, DVSAS. “We will use these much-needed funds to purchase high-quality furniture and bedding, provide a fully-stocked and functional kitchen, and offer new towels and bathroom amenities at our newest shelter opening this summer. These comforts allow us to create a welcoming, comfortable and operational environment, and most importantly, give our clients hope. We are so grateful to Peoples Bank for making this possible.” Read more...


KGMI 790

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A Bellingham shelter opening this summer was awarded a $25,000 grant.

Peoples Bank says this is the second year they have awarded the entire Peoples Bank Impact Grant to a single organization.

The grant went to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services who will use the money for a shelter that houses single, female survivors.

The Safe Housing Program operated by DVSAS also serves male survivors and houses them in safe hotels.

Clients who stay at DVSAS shelters consistently report positive outcomes. Read more...


Bank Beat

Washington’s Peoples Bank has given a $25,000 donation to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County to support creation of a new shelter.

The Peoples Bank Impact Grant will help bring a new 11-bed shelter to Bellingham, its third in the city and fifth overall.

“Shelter is the last resort for many survivors. By the time they come to DVSAS, they have likely been through at least one traumatic and emotional event,” said Jessica Heck, DVSAS development director.

The funds will be used  to purchase high-quality furniture and bedding, provide a fully-stocked and functional kitchen, and offer new towels and bathroom amenities at our newest shelter opening this summer. “These comforts allow us to create a welcoming, comfortable and operational environment, and most importantly, give our clients hope,” Heck said. “We are so grateful to Peoples Bank for making this possible.”

The Safe Housing Program operated by DVSAS originally included one 21-bed, shared residence for female survivors and their children who were homeless or about to become homeless due to domestic violence. Upon taking over the program in 2014, it was clear that more beds were needed to meet the demand of the county. In late 2015, with a mortgage from Peoples Bank, DVSAS purchased two additional buildings to serve as safe shelters. In July 2017, DVSAS opened a four-bed, shared residence for single female survivors. Read more...


The Bellingham Business Journal

Peoples Bank announced last month that it gave a grant of $25,000 to Domestics Violence and Sexual Assault Services. The grant will be used to furnish a new 11-bed shelter that will house single survivors who identify as female.

This is the second Impact Grant awarded by Peoples Bank. Last year it awarded a $25,000 grant to Skagit Habitat for Humanity for the purchase of a new utility van.

DVSAS runs the only domestic violence and sexual assault-specific programs in the county. Last year, DVSAS served nearly 2,300 clients through ts 24-hour helpline, walk-in support center, advocacy counseling, legal advocacy, shelters and other essential services.

Peoples Bank Impact Grants are designed to provide a maximum of $25,000 to a single organization for a specific project that will have a long-lasting, positive impact on the community. Read more...

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