WHAT: On an average day, nearly 11,000 requests for emergency shelter, childcare and other services go unanswered due to a lack of funding at domestic violence nonprofits around the country.  Even as demand for services increases, these programs continue to operate with limited resources.

Allstate Foundation Purple Purse is trying to change those numbers, and Hampton Roads, Virginia’s Samaritan House has been selected as one of more than 160 participating nonprofits across the country to be a part of the Purple Purse Challenge, which raises funds for nonprofits serving domestic violence victims. Samaritan House was chosen for its commitment to providing financial empowerment services to domestic violence survivors.

Through the Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Challenge at PurplePurse.com, each participating organization can raise program funds. And to encourage public donations, the Allstate Foundation is investing $500,000 in Challenge sweepstakes and contests. Purple Purse charms are available to the first 200 donors who donate $50 on Samaritan House’s site and the designer purse will be raffled off for donors giving $100 or more.

One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. In 98 percent of cases, victims will suffer from financial abuse, which means abusers will deny them access to money and financial resources. Without resources of their own, victims are often unable to care for themselves and their families, find employment and housing or save for the future.

WHO:   Samaritan House is Hampton Roads’ trusted domestic violence resource offering services to stop violence with education and training, safety planning and court assistance; and services to heal violence with counseling, support groups, children’s programs and more. Samaritan House is Virginia's largest emergency housing provider serving the community since 1984.

Interviews are available with representatives from Samaritan House as well as a local representative from Allstate. 

WHEN: Supporters can donate from Oct. 1 through Oct. 27, 2015. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.