Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), joined by representatives from local law enforcement, social services agencies, and Ocean County government, views architectural renderings of major renovations to the Providence House.

       Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) today joined local humanitarian leaders at the Providence House safe house, operated by Catholic Charities, in Ocean County to mark the groundbreaking for major renovations—made possible in part by $750,000 in federal funds secured by Smith—to enhance its capacity to house women and children in the area who are fleeing domestic abuse.

       “The Providence House domestic violence shelter in Ocean County—and its hardworking, dedicated staff—provides critical support to women and children who have fled abusive domestic environments and are in dire need of protected transitional housing while they seek permanent, safe and independent living,” said Smith.

       “These significant renovations will make a huge difference by enabling this incredible, life-saving mission to assist even more individuals on their journey toward safety and recovery as they break free from the cycle of violence,” Smith said.

       According to Catholic Charities, in 2022 alone Providence House provided 34,330 nights of shelter, nearly three-and-a-half times its capacity.

       “This funding answers a prayer,” said Mary Pettrow, Service Area Director for Children and Family Services at Catholic Charities. “We feel extraordinarily blessed to have such an ardent supporter in Congressman Smith. We are grateful for his commitment to ensuring the physical and emotional needs of survivors of domestic abuse are being met.”

       “In addition to creating more flexibility in how accommodations can be arranged, the new design provides a more trauma-informed space that will go a long way in addressing not only public health concerns, but also emotional wellbeing,” said Pettrow.

       Smith said that, “the renovations will allow Providence House—which provides a range of services for survivors of domestic abuse—to accommodate more families and individuals in need of a safe harbor from domestic violence.”

       Last year, Smith met with Catholic Charities Executive Director Marlene Laó-Collins, Associate Executive Director Susan Loughery, Pettrow and Providence House Program Director Danielle Meyer at the safe house, where they discussed the logistical challenges that employees face while ensuring client safety across so many locations as well as the massive influx of survivors who sought refuge during the pandemic.