New data suggests a significant percentage of women without access to stable housing can be traced back to domestic violence.

"This quickly becomes connected to the work we do at Genesis House," Genesis House Director Angela Braun says.

However, new funding is helping women who've experienced domestic violence get out of poverty.

Genesis House in Winkler is the recipient of the Reaching Home four-year federal grant to help reduce homelessness in the region, bridging the gap for women struggling to find long-term housing.

Braun explains the project is aimed at identifying the barriers for women and their children living in Morden, Winkler, Carman, and Altona and areas that are facing housing and financial insecurities.

She adds they sought out the funding based on the data they were seeing.

"Research shows that domestic violence is commonly cited as the leading cause of homelessness for women and children. A Canadian study found 38% of women reported experiencing homelessness immediately after separating from her partner. Having safe, secure, and supportive housing can change the lives of these women and the future for their children."

According to stats collected by the Winkler Community Foundation's Vital Signs initiative (2018), if Winkler were a village of 100 people, 19 would be living in poverty, higher than the Province's 15 per cent poverty rate.

The funding will provide in-house support and group sessions for women in the Pembina Valley.