Philadelphia – Julio 29, 2013 – Senator Vincent Hughes thanked Women Against Abuse for preserving and expanding a critical housing resource for survivors of domestic violence. After years of fundraising and construction, the facility is ready to welcome new families to safety. A wing of the project is named after Sen. Hughes in recognition of his leadership in securing more than $1 million in state funds for the project.

“I’m extremely proud that Women Against Abuse has successfully raised the funds needed to expand a critical resource for those seeking refuge from domestic violence,” said Sen. Hughes. “We need to make sure that women and their families have safe environments to recover from the trauma of abuse. I’m also incredibly honored that Women Against Abuse has chosen to name a wing of the building after me.”

With the renovation and expansion project complete, Women Against Abuse will now be able to serve 85 women and children each year. Sojourner House, which provides residents up to 18 months of safe housing, promotes healing from trauma and empowers women with the resources they need to secure safe, affordable housing upon program completion.

“Each year, more than 80,000 Pennsylvanians are victims of domestic violence,” said Sen. Hughes. “I encourage doctors, health-care professionals and the community to be more aware of the crime of domestic abuse, which remains largely undetected and unreported. Women Against Abuse is doing their part to address this issue and they deserve even more support from local, state, and federal lawmakers.”

Working with State Senator LeAnna M. Washington, Sen. Hughes secured the funds for the project through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RCAP). Sen. Hughes represents parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery County. He is also the Democratic Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

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