In the United States, 1 in 3 women will experience physical violence by a partner during their lifetime. This tragedy is often compounded by homelessness. Nearly 50% of unhoused women are survivors of domestic violence, as leaving an abusive situation can leave women without the resources to find somewhere else to live, especially in areas that lack affordable housing options. DC SAFE, a borrower of Mercy Partnership Fund investee BlueHub Capital, is working to make safe spaces a reality for survivors of domestic violence in Washington, D.C.
As DC SAFE is currently the only crisis shelter in Washington, D.C., its services are in high demand. With 72,000 people in their database and 150 active clients at any one time, DC SAFE’s shelters are always full. BlueHub’s investment recently helped fund SAFE Space, DC SAFE’s new $1.4 million facility in Washington, D.C., a 30-unit apartment building that will offer safe and comfortable options for women and families. The building will offer communal space for shelter residents and play areas for children, in addition to on-site support services like counseling and childcare.
DC SAFE is one of BlueHub’s many community investments that help build healthy communities where low-income people live and work. Founded in 1985, BlueHub’s portfolio touches nearly 30 states and addresses issues in affordable housing, education, youth development, health and nutrition, clean energy, and more. BlueHub Capital is one of more than 60 mission-driven organizations in Mercy Partnership Fund’s global community investing portfolio. Learn more here.