In Massachusetts, state lawmakers and social service organizations are working to improve services available to victims of domestic violence. According to this story, incidences of domestic violence are on the rise in the U.S., with 1.03 million incidents reported in 1998, and 7 million reported in 2010. While better, more coordinated services are planned, shelter for victims of domestic violence is another issue. A shortage of shelter beds, disaster-related housing losses and having the eighth highest rental costs in the nation all make it difficult for victims of domestic violence to find new, safe places to live.

No new funding is on the horizon in Massachusetts for domestic violence shelters. But a group of nuns, calling themselves the “Nuns on the Bus,” is working to change that. They traveled across the country recently gathering support for an alternative to the proposed FY13 budget authored by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI). They heard stories from many Americans, including a gentleman who must choose between paying the rent and buying food for his family. The nuns support the “Faithful Budget,” which includes funding for the National Housing Trust Fund.