For someone experiencing domestic violence, reaching out for help can be the first step toward safety and stability. Across Michigan, shelters are there around the clock, offering a safe place, compassionate support and critical resources to individuals and families when they need them most.
This October, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the DTE Foundation and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Division of Victim Services are continuing their commitment to survivors by providing funding to 45 domestic violence shelters across the state. The DTE Foundation has committed $420,000 to help keep shelter beds available and crisis services operating for those who need them most.
The need remains significant. Domestic violence shelters in Michigan provided 263,475 nights of emergency refuge last year, and shelters have responded to nearly 400,000 crisis calls since 2020. At the same time, many providers are facing mounting financial pressures as public funding becomes increasingly limited.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe and hopeful about the future,” said Rodney Cole, president of the DTE Foundation. “We deeply value our longstanding partnership with the MDHHS Division of Victim Services. Together, we have provided more than $3 million to strengthen domestic violence shelters across Michigan and help ensure individuals and families can access safety, support and critical resources.”
For many shelters, flexible funding can make a meaningful difference. Programs have used grant support to provide emergency hotel stays when shelters reach capacity, assist survivors with relocation expenses and replace important documents lost during unsafe situations. Other organizations have used the funding to strengthen case management services and connect more survivors with housing, employment and community resources.
“Domestic violence programs across Michigan provide essential services including immediate crisis support, legal assistance and emergency housing for victims and their families,” said Amy Epkey, acting director of MDHHS. “By strengthening these resources, we reinforce our shared commitment to ensuring victims have the accessible, lifesaving services they need.”
Over the past seven years, the partnership between the DTE Foundation and MDHHS has helped strengthen shelter networks and ensure support remains available in communities across Michigan. The shared goal is simple but critical: no matter where they live, survivors should be able to find safety, support and hope for the future.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available 24/7 through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or by texting START to 88788. Michigan residents can also access local resources through MDHHS’s Division of Victim Services