Edited release
04/19/24
The Domestic Violence Intervention Program will soon be able to welcome twice as many domestic abuse survivors and their beloved pets.
According to a release from the Program, a joint renovation project is being funded by Greater Good Charities, RedRover, PetSmart Charities, and James Investment Group.
The renovation will take place in two phases. Starting today through April 23rd , crews will begin installing ground cover for doggie play yards and pet retreats.
The second phase, May 17-28, will include installing pet-specific items and completing the grooming and laundry room.
The renovations to Cooper’s House are part of the Domestic Violence Intervention Program’s new shelter campaign – Finding Safety, Building Hope which will double the capacity of the existing emergency shelter for victim-survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and human trafficking. Studies show approximately 47% of survivors will delay leaving their abusers if they cannot take their pet with them.
Greater Good Charities will spearhead the renovation along with a team of volunteers including players from the University of Iowa Hawkeyes Women’s Basketball team. Their hands-on support will create housing for five more pet families at a time and each pet retreat will have access to a private outdoor run.
This renovation project is part of a larger ambitious goal – to see that 25% domestic violence shelters are pet-friendly by 2025.
Rescue Rebuild, a shelter renovation program of Greater Good Charities, has recruited over 6,000 volunteers from all over the country to renovate nearly 200 animal shelters, domestic violence shelters, homeless and veteran housing. In 2021, they launched a collaborative program called Don’t Forget the Pets with RedRover to help support pets of domestic violence survivors and unhoused populations.
To learn more, please visit dvipiowa.org, greatergood.org, redrover.org, and DontForgetThePets.org.