UTICA — A new $10,000 emergency fund has been set up for families fleeing domestic violence thanks to a partnership between Kristin’s Fund and the YWCA Mohawk Valley, according to YWCA officials.

The $10,000 fund will aid individual and family clients in the YWCA’s residential programs. The YWCA MV offers two emergency shelters and three transitional housing programs. Kristin’s Emergency Fund will provide support for all of these programs, including covering specific expenses related to transportation, maintenance and everybody needs, such as food, clothing and furniture, officials said.

“The first night in shelter can be a scary, intimidating experience,” said YWCA MV CEO Dianne Stancato.

“Women and children are in a new, unfamiliar space, with people they’ve only just met,” Stancato said.

“We strive to make their stays as comfortable and inviting as possible, and with the support of Kirstin’s Fund, we’ll be able to make that happen for months now,”

Kristin’s Fund was founded in memory of Kristin Palumbo Longo, who was killed by her husband in a domestic violence incident in Utica in 2009.

Officials said the new emergency fund was inspired by the television show “Maid” on Netflix, which is about a young, single mother who escapes an abusive relationship and moves into a shelter, then starts working as a house maid to make ends meet.

“The series shed light on extreme financial difficulties faced by people fleeing a violent home,” said Gina Pearce, founding board member of Kristin’s Fund.

“It’s real; sometimes women leave with no money and no belongings. We hope Kristin’s Emergency Fund shows them they have help and people on their side who support them in their journey.”

According to the YWCA, they housed 105 individuals, adults and children, in their shelters in 2021.

A total of 82% of those residents eventually moved on to safe, permanent and independent housing.

During their stay, clients of the YWCA have access to a range of services provided by the YWCA of the Mohawk Valley, including free, confidential, 24-hour crisis services, intensive care management, counseling, support groups and accompaniment through legal, medical and law enforcement proceedings, the announcement said.

The free and 24-hour domestic violence hotline for Oneida County is 315-797-7740. In Herkimer County, the number is 315-866-4120. The numbers can be both called or texted.