Chicago City Wire

CHICAGO — September 3, 2024 – Mayor Brandon Johnson of the City of Chicago and Commissioner Brandie Knazze of the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) have announced the expansion of the Emergency Fund for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Survivors. An additional $5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) has been allocated to this fund, bringing the total investment to $10 million. This new funding will enhance the Emergency Fund’s capacity, offering a one-time, unrestricted $1,000 payment to survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.

Since the onset of the pandemic, survivors have faced increased financial instability and higher rates of violence due to social restrictions, increased contact with abusers, and loss of access to critical resources such as income and housing. Existing Crime Victim Compensation (CVC) programs funded federally and administered by Illinois have stringent eligibility requirements and long payment processes that hinder some survivors from receiving aid. Requirements include notifying law enforcement within 72 hours, not "contributing to their injury" by "provoking the offender," and not being on probation or parole.

In response, Mayor Brandon Johnson invested ARPA funding into the Emergency Fund to address these gaps. The fund provides unrestricted cash assistance with accessible eligibility requirements for food, rental expenses, or shelter for survivors attempting to escape violent domestic situations.

“Our community safety strategy will always center the needs of survivors of violence and trauma and their families,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This emergency fund is our way of showing the survivors of domestic (and gender-based) violence that we are prioritizing their well-being, their safety, and their healing.”

Given the success of the Emergency Fund in 2023 and ongoing issues related to gender-based violence, this new investment will be combined with city-based funding to support survivors through December 2026. Starting this fall, The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence will administer the fund as a delegate agency partner of DFSS. Approximately 600 survivors will receive a one-time $1,000 payment each month.

Survivors must schedule an appointment with an application specialist from The Network to complete their applications. For more information about applying for funds or scheduling an appointment, individuals can visit The Network's Survivor Crisis Fund starting at 10 am on the first business day of each month. Appointment slots are available on a first-come basis until monthly capacity is met.

During its initial launch in March 2023, $5 million in ARPA funds were allocated to assist 4,600 survivors. Participating GBV survivors received one-time cash assistance of $1,000 for items critical to improving their safety and well-being. According to self-reported survey data from The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence, 65 percent spent money on rent; 60 percent on food; and 51 percent on utilities. Notably, 70 percent reported improved emotional/mental health while 69 percent reported improved safety.

“DFSS and the City of Chicago are incredibly proud to partner with The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence,” said Brandie Knazze, Commissioner of DFSS. “The Emergency Fund is a time-tested program that has already proven to make a difference in the lives of GBV survivors at critical times in their lives.”

GBV survivor testimonials highlight significant impacts:

"As a mother and a DV survivor...the funding I received was like a breath of fresh air...I am extremely appreciative for the assistance." - Emergency Fund Recipient

"Everything that was offered I took advantage of...You guys supported me beyond enough..." – Emergency Fund Recipient

“The Network is grateful for Mayor Johnson’s leadership in ensuring Chicago has one of the strongest safety nets for survivors,” said Amanda Pyron, Executive Director at The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence. “By allocating $5 million in ARPA funds...he improved safety and wellbeing for vulnerable residents."

For more information about applying for funds or scheduling an appointment with The Network's Survivor Crisis Fund starting at 10 am on each month's first business day this fall.

About The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence:

The Network comprises over 40 member organizations dedicated to improving lives impacted by gender-based violence through education, public policy advocacy, connecting community members with direct service providers.

About Department of Family & Support Services:

Working with community partners connects Chicago residents/families with resources building stability/supporting well-being/empowering them.

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