The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of March of 2021 provided millions of dollars in funding for rape crisis centers to help support sexual assault survivors and continued delivery of victim support services. The funds allocated by ARP are intended to provide much-needed assistance including: counseling, mobile advocacy, telehealth, teletherapy, peer support,temporary housing, rental assistance, nominal relocation expenses, equipment, software to assist in carrying out virtual services, and supplies required to meet the emergency needs of survivors. These funds are also available for the hiring of additional staff to ensure continued safe and adequately staffed rape crisis centers.

Recipients must spend these funds by September of 2025. In response to this deadline, the newly-established Sexual Assault Capacity Building Centers (SACBCs), created by Respect Together and the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, are collaborating to provide technical assistance regarding allowable costs and survivor-first initiatives. Through this collaboration, the SACBCs have created the following list of potential options for spending
remaining ARP funds, as well as resources that provide further support and assistance.

• Disaster Preparedness 

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) has a wide range of resources on how advocates and service providers can prepare themselves and their organizations to better support survivors in the event of a disaster. 

• Minor renovations 

Centers may use ARP funds for minor renovations in their agency locations. This includes removal of lead paint and painting, AC repairs, mold removal, pest control, carpet removal and flooring, window repair and replacement, security
systems, and bathroom upgrades. Allowable costs do not include construction of new structures.

• Supplies for Forensic Exams

Supplies and support items for forensic programs and exams include: clothing items such as undergarments, socks, sweatshirts, sweatpants, t-shirts, and other basics; printed materials for patients, (example: brochures and discharge/follow-up resources); comfort items to enhance forensic exam suites such as trauma-informed seating and aesthetic selections, toys for children; exam tables, specialized lighting fixtures, and colposcope equipment and colposcope upgrades/enhancements.

• Items and Support for Survivor Well-Being

ARP funds were intended to support the well-being of sexual assault survivors,
including during periods of pandemics and disasters. Centers may use ARP funds to provide survivors with gift cards for necessary services and items like transportation (rideshare, gas, or public transit cards), food (delivery apps like Doordash, or grocery stores), and clothing (big box stores like Walmart and Target).

Resources for ARP Fund Recipients

• NSVRC Disaster Preparedness: Resources for Service Providers
• FVPSA ARP Fund FAQs for Allowable Costs
• FVPSA ARP Grants Technical Assistance
• National Alliance to End Sexual Violence
• National Sexual Violence Resource Center 

This blog is for general informational purposes only. Recipients should consult their Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) Program Specialist for specific guidance. 

This blog was made possible by Grant Number 90EV0562 from the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services