Catalyst Domestic Violence Services is one of the few nonprofits focused on domestic and sexual violence response and prevention in Butte County. It’s the only one with housing designed for survivors of domestic violence in Chico. Right now, they’re concerned for the future.
The Trump administration issued a memo last month freezing federal spending on loans and grants. In that memo, funding sources used by Catalyst were targeted.
The memo has since been rescinded, though the administration has said they do not plan to stop the freeze. Twenty-two states, including California, have filed a lawsuit against the administration challenging the freeze, as well as groups representing thousands of nonprofit organizations across the nation.
On Tuesday, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction on the move, essentially continuing to block the freeze until a final judgment is reached by a court.
“Despite these legal actions, the stability of federal funding remains uncertain,” said Anastacia Snyder, the executive director of Catalyst.
Snyder said the administration is continually and publicly stating they will review and stop funding sources that “don’t align with their practices.” At this moment, Catalyst is not impacted by the freezes, but if they are approved, they’ll be at risk.
What Catalyst does
Catalyst has been active in both Butte and Glenn counties for almost 50 years. Their programs are open to people of all genders and their children. A key part to their services are Catalyst’s safe housing programs for people in abusive relationships.
The Home Away from a Violent Environment Now (HAVEN) program is confidential temporary housing for people at immediate risk. Services like crisis counseling, educational, employment or housing resources are available for up to six months through the program.
The Cottage Program offers 12 to 18 months of transitional housing to survivors. The program is designed for people to be self-sufficient. People living there must be employed or enrolled in an educational program while applying. Crisis counseling, case management and a savings program are available at the cottages.
Additionally, the Rapid Rehousing Program and Housing First Program help survivors find long-term living situations. They collaborate with Butte County landlords and property managers to make housing more accessible. They also connect survivors with financial assistance and supportive services.
“The minute the freeze goes into effect, we theoretically cannot provide those services anymore, as we would not be reimbursed for it. That means that the rents that we pay for survivors, the housing assistance we provide for survivors are in jeopardy."Anastacia Snyder, executive director of Catalyst
Volunteers also help survivors through legal and mentally taxing processes, like sexual assault forensic exams. They help survivors fill out restraining orders or accompany them to court appearances or medical appointments. Volunteers can advocate for survivors with local law enforcement as well.
Catalyst also offers therapy programs. Short-term therapy gives people about 10 free sessions to survivors. Therapy sessions cover domestic violence and sexual assault support.
Additionally, there are easy access services like the 24-hour hotline and drop-in services.
“I think it's important that all survivors know that their experiences are deeply valued and that we are here to support them,” said Snyder.
Funding freeze impacts
Catalyst, like many non-profit organizations serving survivors, gets a large portion of their funding through federal grant programs. That includes the Violence Against Women Act, Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, the Victims of Crime Act and the CDC’s Rape Prevention and Education Program.
The organization also receives grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as a part of the Butte Countywide Homeless Continuum of Care, which all goes toward Catalyst’s housing programs.
These programs and offices would be potentially reviewed for the funding freeze.
Catalyst receives this funding either directly from the federal government or through state programs. The organization also receives partial funding from community donations.
“We do receive a lot of community support, but the majority of the safety net is funded through those acts,” said Snyder.
Snyder said that the federal government has already allocated the funding and it is being actively used by Catalyst.
“These already are appropriated funds, and if the these funds were removed, the administration would be breaking its agreement with Congress to fund these programs that support survivors of domestic and sexual assault,” she said.
Last year, the organization was able to provide support to more than 100 households. If federal funds were frozen, survivors currently using Catalyst’s housing services could become unhoused.
“The minute the freeze goes into effect, we theoretically cannot provide those services anymore, as we would not be reimbursed for it. That means that the rents that we pay for survivors, the housing assistance we provide for survivors are in jeopardy,” said Snyder.
The lack of funding could also push Catalyst to stop accompanying survivors to sexual assault forensic exams. Snyder said that in 2024, they completed 55 exams. In these situations, she said volunteers are able to provide advocacy and support to survivors in a traumatic moment.
“I am deeply concerned about the future and our ability to maintain the levels of service that we know are life saving. I am deeply concerned about the impact the administration is having on survivors, and I am deeply grateful for the community who has stepped up to support our work.”Anastacia Snyder, executive director of Catalyst
Snyder said that Catalyst is working with state and federal partners to secure or back fill funds if the freeze goes through. That includes the coalitions California Partnership to End Domestic Violence and ValorUS.
Part of that work is asking Gov. Gavin Newsom and state capitol leadership to secure $176 million in the state budget for a five year period so organizations for survivors are still able to offer services. Catalyst is also talking with local legislators and community partners.
Snyder said the Trump administration’s actions have generally caused confusion, but Catalyst is trying to move forward. She said the organization is unsure what support would look like in the future if the grants are frozen.
“I am deeply concerned about the future and our ability to maintain the levels of service that we know are life saving,” said Snyder. “I am deeply concerned about the impact the administration is having on survivors, and I am deeply grateful for the community who has stepped up to support our work.”
The White House did not return a request for comment on its attempt to freeze federal funds and how that could impact domestic violence services.
