$1 Million boost for nonprofits helping domestic violence victims.

By THE STAR STAFF

The House of Representatives of Puerto Rico, led by Speaker Carlos ‘Johnny’ Méndez, allocated a historic total of $1,052,500 in fiscal year 2025-2026 to 15 nonprofit organizations that provide direct services to women who are victims of domestic violence in Puerto Rico.

The legislative leader also indicated that efforts will be made to increase this amount during the review of the new 2026-2027 government budget, which begins in the coming weeks.

“In the House of Representatives, we value the work that nonprofit organizations carry out in the fight to eradicate the terrible social problem of domestic violence in Puerto Rico. That is why we have been proactive in evaluating and allocating resources so they can continue providing these vital services. This fiscal year, which began on July 1, 2025, over one million dollars have been allocated to these entities through legislative funds. This commitment will continue during the evaluation of the government’s 2026-2027 operational budget,” said the Speaker.

“Both in the Finance Committee and in the Joint Special Legislative Funds Committee, we share our Speaker’s vision of working hand in hand with the third sector, particularly organizations that assist abused women, to support their operations and recognize the effectiveness they have demonstrated over the years,” said Eddie Charbonier, Chair of the Finance Committee.

Organizations receiving funding include A ti Mujer, Casa de la Bondad, Casa Juana Colón Support and Guidance for Women, Casa Pensamiento de la Mujer, Casa Protegida Julio de Burgos, Centro de la Mujer Dominicana, Centro para Puerto Rico, Instituto de Orientación y Terapia Familiar de Caguas, Fundación Alas a la Mujer, Fundación Educativa Comunitaria para el Desarrollo del Liderazgo Efectivo de la Mujer, and Hogar Nueva Mujer.

Additional funds were allocated to Hogar Ruth for Abused Women, Casa de Todos, National Network of Gender Violence Shelters, Women in Business, and Casa La Providencia.

Notably, Casa Protegida Julia de Burgos, established in 1979 as the first shelter for domestic violence victims not only in Puerto Rico but in all of Latin America, received $195,000. Hogar Ruth was allocated $300,000.

The funding comes from the Joint Resolution of the House 30-2025.