Press Releases

Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced that $600,000 in federal funds have been awarded to the Women’s Resource Center in Scranton from the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women.

The DOJ awarded the federal funding under the Transitional Housing Assistance Grant for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Program. The Women’s Resource Center plans to use the award to provide emergency housing for individuals and their children and/or dependents fleeing domestic, dating, sexual violence, stalking or human trafficking.

“Leaving an abusive situation takes incredible courage, and I am so glad that Northeastern Pennsylvanians faced with that decision have a safe place to land,” said Rep. Cartwright, who, as Chairman of the House Commerce, Justice and Science (CJS) Subcommittee, successfully fought to expand overall funding for Violence Against Women programs in fiscal years 2022 and 2023, and again as Ranking Member of CJS in fiscal year 2024.

“Having a safety net will encourage victims to get out of violent, dangerous relationships, and these funds for transitional housing will get them back on their feet. The Women’s Resource Center’s transitional housing program provides victims with a safe place to stay and helps them reclaim their lives from abuse. I am proud to secure these federal investments so organizations like the Women’s Resource Center will have access to the support they need to help keep adults, children and families safe.” 

“For those in immediate danger, our safe and secure emergency shelter provides a haven away from harm. Our facilities offer a supportive environment where survivors can find safety, comfort, and access to essential resources,” said Margaret A. Ruddy, Executive Director of Scranton’s Women’s Resource Center. “These federal funds are critical to ensure safety and stability for women and children fleeing abusive environments. If not for these funds, many of these families would be homeless in our communities."

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. If you or someone you know is involved in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, contact the Women’s Resource Center’s 24-hour hotline at 1-800-257-5756. In the case of an emergency, dial 9-1-1.