Provide trauma informed, survivor centered and culturally responsive shelter and transitional housing to victims of domestic violence and their companion animals.

Clackamas Women’s Services proposes to implement the Safe Pets Program (SPP). The project will take place in Clackamas County, Oregon, and serve survivors of domestic and sexual violence, stalking, trafficking, elder abuse, and child abuse, as well as their companion animals. As one of the few Emergency Shelters in the state of Oregon that allows animals, there is high demand and increased amounts of survivors seeking shelter with us as they are allowed to bring their pets. This project will enhance the capacity of Clackamas County to provide emergency shelter and transitional housing options for survivors and their pets by increasing the amount available shelter, increasing resources and staff capacity, and creating training programs for stakeholders. We aim to partner with animal care providers, develop training materials and program structure, provide financial assistance, programming, and facility maintenance, increase housing access, and bolster survivor wellness. To meet these goals, we will hire and onboard a dedicated SPP Coordinator to meet this community need. This project will benefit DV/SA survivors and their companion animals.