U.S. Rep. Jennifer L. McClellan, D-Va., presented YWCA Richmond with a $1,666,279 check Tuesday to support the organization’s services for domestic violence survivors.

The federal funding will support the Transforming Lives After Surviving Domestic Violence Project to build at least 40 new residential units and provide 24/7 programming and services for survivors in the Richmond area.

McClellan secured the funding through the annual appropriations process. In total, she secured over $15 million for 15 local projects and priorities throughout Virginia’s 4th Congressional District.

The congresswoman said YWCA Richmond is an important cornerstone of the community.

“I am thrilled to deliver more than $1.6 million to support their efforts to protect and assist domestic violence survivors from housing insecurity,” she said. “Studies show domestic violence citations are the No. 3 reason tenants get evicted.” 

Rupa Murthy, CEO of YWCA Richmond, said access to safe, affordable housing is the biggest issue the organization’s domestic violence team works to solve.

“This historic regional investment in safe and healthy families, violence free communities, and economic mobility for those facing a difficult path so they cannot only survive but thrive, is a catalyst for regional commitment to build a system of care that centers a survivor of domestic violence,” Murthy said.

This is McClellan’s fourth Community Project Funding check presentation. In May, she presented Henrico County officials with a $725,000 check for their Universal Broadband Deployment Project. In June, she presented Brunswick County with $500,000 to support their Industrial Site Development Project and $188,787 to Southside Virginia Community College for their In-Demand Technical Training Learning Project.