GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $250,000 CIP GRANT FOR TRANSITIONAL HOUSING FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS

For Immediate Release: March 9, 2009

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released a $250,000 capital improvement project grant to Parents And Children Together (PACT) to purchase a home in Windward O‘ahu that would serve as transitional housing for up to five families who have suffered domestic abuse.

“In addition to ensuring strict laws are in place to punish perpetrators of domestic violence, it is imperative that we aid victims in every way possible once they are out of an abusive environment,” said Governor Lingle. “This transitional housing will provide hope and stability for victims once they have been discharged from crisis shelters and aid them in their emotional and economic recovery.”

Parents And Children Together is a nonprofit human service provider in Hawai‘i that serves more than 11,000 individuals each year on O‘ahu, Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i and Kaua‘i. The organization’s programs focus on several areas, including the prevention of child abuse and domestic violence, mental health support and early childhood education.

Two single-family homes in Windward O‘ahu are currently being considered as possible sites for the transitional housing facility on O‘ahu for abused women and their children. The project would also include support services for the women to assist them in obtaining economic self-sufficiency and permanent housing.

The total cost of the one-family house will be approximately $740,000. PACT is pursuing other government and foundation grants to cover the remainder of the cost.

The purchase is currently scheduled to be completed by June 2009.

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For more information, contact:

Darwin Ching
Director, DLIR  
Phone: (808) 586-8844

Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: (808) 586-7708

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043