GAINESVILLE — Hall County has been awarded a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant to help build transitional housing for domestic violence victims.

Jessica Butler, executive director at Gateway Domestic Violence Center,said, “There is a tremendous need for housing for women and children who have fled domestic violence in our community.”

Gateway officials, who began raising funds for transitional housing two years ago,have developed partnerships with the Gainesville Kiwanis Club, the Junior League of Gainesville/Hall County, Habitat for Humanity Hall County and local churches they say will generate the funds necessary to complete the project.

Butler said, “The support of Hall County commissioners, along with community partners, is going to allow us to provide more victims of domestic violence with a safe place to live.”