The Duke and Duchess of Sussex surprised the Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support in Dallas on Sunday with a donation to repair the roof of their temporary housing complex and help with other urgent needs.
“We have been notified that, through the actions of the non-profit organization of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the Archewell Foundation, Prince Harry and Meghan will make a donation to help us recover,” said the shelter’s CEO, Jan Langbein, in a statement. “This gift will not only meet our critical needs, but it also illuminates violence against women and children, letting survivors know they are not alone.”
The Genesis Shelter and Support for Women is a vital lifeline for families who have experienced domestic violence, giving women in situations of abuse a way out. The shelter said the roof of its transitory housing had collapsed, the pipes burst and the furniture was destroyed, according to Amy Norton, Senior Director of Fund Development.
The women and children inside were quickly removed and no one was hurt, Norton said.
Millions of people in Texas lost energy and water after a deep and deadly record freeze began on February 11.
The shelter closed its doors for the first time in 35 years due to the storm, Norton said.
The world is witnessing a domestic violence crisis during the Covid-19 pandemic and some domestic support services have been put on hold, according to a special CNN report on domestic violence.
Some victims of domestic violence face challenges to leave, including lack of food, shelter, transportation, childcare and employment opportunities, according to a 2020 study by Rutgers University. These factors may have put pressure on them to live in communities close to their abusive partners.
This women’s shelter is one of the charities that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have supported since they officially gave up royal duties.
In addition to roof repairs, the couple’s foundation money will go towards the shelter’s immediate emergency response needs, the shelter said.
“Despite the devastating winter storms here in Texas, our hearts have been warmed by the support and generosity of people from all 50 states and five foreign countries,” said Langbein in a statement.
Since then, Genesis has been reopened.
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