Yesterday, DASH welcomed Secretary Xavier Becerra from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), and Rosie Hildalgo, Senior Advisor on Gender-Based Violence and Special Assistant to the President, White House Gender Policy Council for a site visit.

DASH was honored to be selected for the site visit – a testament to the impact of our best practice program and service model for survivors.

DASH’s Cornerstone program was selected for the visit where Secretary Becerra shared the news of the announcement of nearly $800 Million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding to support the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act Program grantees.

During the visit, Secretary Becerra talked about the importance of a public health response to domestic violence and why domestic violence is such a significant public health issue.

Secretary Becerra also emphasized the historic American Rescue Plan funding that has been appropriated to the Family Violence Prevention and Services Program, that will support domestic violence programs, sexual assault programs, and culturally- specific organizations.

JooYeun Chang, Acting Assistant Secretary, Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and Shawndell Dawson, Director, Family Violence Prevention and Services, ACF were also in attendance for the visit.

DASH’s President & CEO shared:

“Domestic and sexual violence community-based organizations like DASH require significant investments to expand services and meet the health and safety needs of survivors and families.

The funding announcement and visit from HHS is an honor, and we are proud to be able to highlight our critical work in reaching survivors and their families in our Nation’s Capital“.

Read more about our life saving work and the critical need for investments in local safe housing programs.