Amid Rising Domestic Violence, Phoenix Approves New Shelter Contract
Phoenix leaders approved a new contract with Chrysalis Shelter to provide emergency and transitional housing to victims of domestic violence. The timing is especially important because police are responding to more domestic violence calls during the pandemic.
Councilman Sal DiCiccio called the shelter employees "angels." "They do it for little pay-if any, they volunteer there at times and they save so many families. If you were just to see the eyes of some of these children, just look at them, it’s just painful to think of what they’ve gone through," he said.
Wednesday’s unanimous council vote was for a five-year contract worth up to $765,000. Since 2015, the Human Services Department has contracted with Chrysalis to provide 14,750 bed nights and shelter to 320 residents and 80 children.
Councilwoman Thelda Williams thanked Chrysalis for continuing to partner with the city.
“There are so many people out there that need these services today because I know domestic violence is on the rise and so I’m very thankful that they’re continuing to work with us and continue to figure out how to grow so they can help more people," Williams said.
Chrysalis provides families and individuals food and necessities along with counseling and case management. Residents receive up to 120 days of shelter.
