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Survivor-service providers urge Harris County to continue Domestic Violence Assistance Fund
Summary
Dozens of speakers at the Sept. 10 Harris County Commissioners Court meeting urged continuation and expansion of the Domestic Violence Assistance Fund, saying the money provides emergency hotel stays, relocation help, legal aid and other flexible supports that keep survivors safe.
Dozens of advocates and nonprofit leaders told the Harris County Commissioners Court on Sept. 10 that the county’s Domestic Violence Assistance Fund (DVAF) is a critical lifeline for survivors.
Desiree Martinez, a licensed clinical social worker with the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, said the funds help survivors meet basic needs and access mental‑health and medical care. “Without these funds, our clients would not be able to afford taking that first step towards their long term healing,” Martinez said.
Why it matters: Speakers from a range of local providers — including The Landing, Families to Freedom, Houston Area Women’s Center and the Galveston Houston Representation Project — described DVAF payouts for emergency hotel stays, relocation and replacement of critical documents that abusers withheld. Gabby Campbell, interim CEO of The Landing, told the court her organization used the fund to help more than 180 clients and families, citing emergency housing, rental and utility aid and document replacement.
Court context: The testimonials came during the meeting’s public‑comment period before the court debated budget items. Commissioners heard multiple requests that the fund be continued or expanded and noted its flexibility — a recurring theme among presenters. Barbie Brashear, executive director of the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, thanked the court for prior allocations and described more than 5,000 families served through the county’s use of CARES and ARPA funds.
What was asked: Speakers asked the court to preserve or increase line‑item funding for DVAF in the FY2025 budget so organizations can continue rapid, individualized assistance such as hotel stays, transport, rental assistance and help getting identity documents.
Next steps: OMB’s recommended enhancements included a $1.5 million contribution to the domestic violence fund; the court voted to include selected enhancement items and set a public hearing on the proposed FY2025 budget for Sept. 19. Commissioners did not take a separate final vote on DVAF funding at the Sept. 10 meeting; any final appropriation will be acted on after the public hearing and formal adoption process.
