State Domestic Violence Shelters Receive $400,000 in Grants

The DTE Energy Foundation has awarded $400,000 in grants to 44 domestic violence shelters across Michigan.

In Michigan, more than 2,600 survivors of domestic violence may require some form of assistance on any given day. The funds provided by the foundation can be used not only to support critical services but also provide necessary training for the organizations to ensure future viability.

Underground Railroad is one of the organizations receiving the funding. President and CEO Chrisiti Birchmeier says domestic violence is a large problem in Saginaw County.

“Saginaw County is one of the higher per capita areas in Michigan, where we have reported domestic violent crime.”

Underground Railroad hasn’t been notified of its final funding amount, but already has plans to use the grant to help house victims in the shelter and help support services with the crisis hotline. The hotline is toll free at (989) 770-8892 and is available to call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Other shelters in the mid-Michigan area to receive the DTE Foundation grants include the Bay Area Women’s Center in Bay City, Shelterhouse in Midland, Women’s Aid Service in Mount Pleasant, YWCA and SAFE House in Flint and HDC/Thumb Area Assault Crisis Center in Caro.