ALAMOSA — Tu Casa, Inc. is one of more than 220 nonprofits urging the public to support survivors of domestic violence and financial abuse during the Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Challenge, which takes place Oct. 2-31. The annual campaign coincides with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is held in October.

On an average day in 2016, 12,000 requests from domestic violence and financial abuse survivors for services such as childcare and rent went unmet. The Purple Purse Challenge provides a critical funding source for domestic violence organizations who increasingly face high demand for their services, even as they operate with limited resources.

“Domestic Violence agencies rely on the public’s support to meet the needs of survivors,” said Consuelo Contreras, bilingual victim advocate for Tu Casa, Inc. “That’s why the Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Challenge is so important. This fundraising effort helps us raise money so we can keep helping women recover and rebuild their lives.”

Nearly 100 percent of the funds nonprofits raise or win during the Purple Purse Challenge will go towards providing life-changing services to domestic violence survivors and their families, so they can break free and stay free from abuse.

Colorado served approximately 919 survivors of domestic violence in 2016, according to a national census.

This is the first time Tu Casa, Inc. is participating in the Purple Purse Challenge, which last year helped domestic violence programs around the country raise over $3 million. Tu Casa, Inc. will participate in Division II for organizations with annual budgets of less than $1.5 million.

Domestic violence affects all communities. In fact, one in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime regardless of socio-economic background or ethnicity — more than breast, ovarian and lung cancer combined. In 99 percent of domestic violence cases, victims will experience financial abuse, which means their abusers will deny them access to money and financial resources they need to break free. Financial abuse is one of the primary reasons domestic violence victims stay in or return to abusive relationships. 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.

The Purple Purse Challenge provides several opportunities for nonprofits to exceed their fundraising goals. For example, the nonprofit in each division that raises the most money will receive a $100,000 grant. Additional grants range from $50,000 for second place to $5,000 for seventh place.

There are also weekly bonus challenges. And to further boost their fundraising efforts, nonprofits will receive a purple purse designed by tennis champion and Purple Purse ambassador Serena Williams. Handcrafted from premium Italian leather, the limited-edition purse is valued at $400. Tu Casa, Inc. will raffle off the purse during October. In addition to the local fundraiser, one individual from all donors to the Purple Purse Challenge on PurplePurse.com each week will win a purse in a random drawing.

While purses are available in limited supply, individuals can show their support for survivors by purchasing Purple Purse charms for $10 through PurplePurse.com between Oct. 2 and Oct. 31.

Each charm comes with a short story about a domestic violence survivor who used financial resources to regain her independence. Proceeds from charm sales benefit 2017 Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Challenge participants.

The Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Challenge is administered by CrowdRise and is part of Allstate Foundation Purple Purse, a public education and fundraising program aimed at raising awareness of the prevalence of domestic violence and financial abuse and the need for resources to help survivors.

Now in its 13th year, Allstate Foundation Purple Purse has propelled more than one million survivors on the path to safety and security, and invested more than $55 million to empower women to break free from abuse through life-changing financial education, job training and readiness and small business programs for survivors.

Since 1979, Tu Casa, Inc. has provided free, confidential services to victims and survivors of domestic violence, including safe shelter, emergency transportation, food, clothing and advocacy, in a respectful and trauma focused manner.

Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation {NYSE: ALL). Through partnerships with nonprofit organization across the country, The Allstate Foundation brings the relationships, reputation and resources of Allstate to support innovative and lasting solutions that enhance people’s well-being and prosperity. With a focus on building financial independence for domestic violence survivors, empowering youth and celebrating the charitable community involvement of

Allstate agency owners and employees, The Allstate Foundation works to bring out the good in people’s lives. For more information, visit www.AIIstateFoundation.org.