#United States #Chicago #The Grove #ReloShare #NNEDV

ReloShare Offers Free Year of Access to 'The Grove'

In a crucial response to the recent funding cuts impacting domestic violence services, ReloShare has announced a significant new initiative. The Chicago-based technology company will provide a full year of complimentary access to its national shelter-sharing platform, The Grove, for all domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking shelters across the country. This decision stems from a partnership with the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), which has long advocated for innovative solutions in this arena.

The need for such innovative support has never been clearer. With recent federal grant cuts leading to layoff crises and reduced service capacities at victim-service agencies nationwide, shelters are rapidly becoming overwhelmed by demand. According to the NNEDV’s 2024 Domestic Violence Counts survey, on just one day, there were 14,095 unmet requests for shelter services, with 60% of those requests specifically for emergency housing.

During a time where every moment counts, particularly for survivors seeking immediate refuge from domestic violence, The Grove aims to transform the way advocates connect those in need with available resources. One of the most significant barriers faced by agencies has been the time-consuming process of locating available shelter beds. Matt Singley, ReloShare’s Co-Founder and CEO, articulated the situation: “Advocates tell us they lose hours—and sometimes days—ringing dozens of shelters before finding space. By opening The Grove for free at this critical moment, we're giving agencies those hours back.”

The Grove in Action

The Grove is designed to streamline the search for available shelter spaces, offering a real-time inventory of beds within shelters, transitional housing, and overflow hotels across the nation. The platform doesn't just simplify the search; it modernizes it.

Some key features of The Grove include:

• - Real-time Accessibility: A nationwide inventory allows service providers instant access to information regarding available beds. This facilitates a much faster response, crucial for those in immediate need.
• - De-identified Referrals: This feature protects both the locations of programs and the identities of survivors, ensuring privacy while providing essential services.
• - Search Once, See Everywhere: Rather than spending hours on the phone, advocates can find available shelter space in a matter of minutes.
• - Data Insights: The platform will identify geographic gaps and seasonal spikes in demand for services, aiding funders and policymakers in making informed decisions about resource allocation.

Amanda Pyron, President and CEO of The Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence, highlighted the transformative impact of The Grove. Since integrating the platform statewide, Illinois hotline workers have dramatically reduced their search times from contacting 10-15 shelters per day to securing shelter space in less than 10 minutes.

Ongoing Support and Future Plans

ReloShare is not merely providing temporary access to a tool; they are committed to supporting service providers beyond this initial offering. Organizations today can register for The Grove at reloshare.com/products/the-grove, and ReloShare’s onboarding team will assist with live training, and migrate shelter information at no charge. Following the promotional year, ReloShare plans to work collaboratively with local agencies to advocate for sustainable funding from federal and state sources, ultimately ensuring long-term access to The Grove.

About ReloShare and NNEDV

ReloShare is at the forefront of utilizing technology to address critical social issues, focusing on securing emergency housing swiftly. Its Safe Stays platform and related products enable social service agencies to cater to emergency housing needs efficiently. Conversely, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) serves as a leading advocate for domestic violence survivors and their supporters, driving systemic changes through policy and community outreach.

Through the partnership between ReloShare and NNEDV, a monumental shift is occurring in how shelters operate. The innovative approach promised by The Grove represents a significant step toward addressing the urgent needs of survivors nationwide.

For additional information about ReloShare and their efforts to support domestic violence shelters, visit www.reloshare.com. To learn more about the NNEDV and their advocacy work, visit www.nnedv.org.