Three area domestic violence shelters received $39,600 in grants from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute through the Social Services Block Grant program.

The program, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, aims to provide emergency shelter to survivors of domestic violence and their children, according to a news release from the institute.

The institute awarded a total of $500,000 to 28 domestic violence shelters in Indiana, according to the release.

In Lake County, Haven House, located in Hammond, received $17,000, St. Jude House, located in Crown Point, received $15,000 and the Caring Place, located in Valparaiso, received $7,600, according to a release.

“Supporting victim-serving organizations is foundational to our agency’s mission,” said Devon McDonald, the institute’s executive director, in the release. “These grants will better position Indiana’s domestic violence shelters to meet the needs of survivors across the state.”

The Social Services Block Grant program, which was established in 1981, gives states discretion in funding priorities, according to the release. With states allocating funds, it allows for flexibility “and can potentially offer services in other areas, such as case management, legal advocacy and referral to other community resources,” according to the release.

This year, the funds will be used to help offset the cost of certain operational expenses, such as housing, food and other needs, according to the release.

“It’s important for families that are experiencing domestic violence to know that they have access to services and a safe environment,” Kim Lambert, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute victim services division director, said in the release. “We’re proud to come alongside dozens of organizations in Indiana that provide that front line support.”

Dara Smith, executive director of Haven House, said the $17,000 the shelter received will go toward providing 24-hour emergency shelter to survivors of domestic violence and their children and the homeless.

“We are truly grateful for receiving this funding. It allows us to continue to service those in need,” Smith said. “People who need domestic violence shelter and services are also fleeing abusive individuals who may have created extensive damage to them and their children. This damage takes various forms but usually involves physical, psychological, and financial consequences.”

Ryan Elinkowski, director of St. Jude House, said the shelter is “so grateful to receive this grant.”

“We provide about 10,000 shelter nights or more per year, so this funding for operating costs is so essential and really allows us to keep offering our services, which we have always been, at no cost for the survivor’s of domestic violence that we serve,” Elinkowski said.