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State Officials Highlight Funding Increase for Rape Crisis Centers
The budget doubles state funding to $24.17 million and adds money for the 988 hotline, crisis stabilization centers and ChildLine staffing.
On Monday, July 20, 2026, Governor Josh Shapiro announced a $12 million budget increase for Pennsylvania's rape crisis centers, doubling total state funding to $24 million during a visit to YWCA Carlisle in Cumberland County.
Years without funding increases and the 2025 budget impasse pushed centers into financial crisis, prompting Shapiro to press for this boost after visiting a Pittsburgh facility several months ago.
Pennsylvania's network of 47 rape crisis centers serves all 67 counties, providing support to about 26,000 people annually. Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh stated centers offer 24-hour counseling and legal advocacy for survivors.
This funding enables centers to train additional employees, expand 24-hour crisis hotlines, and provide more therapy to survivors. The administration stated it "allows us to answer the call to stand with survivors."
The 2026-27 budget also allocates $10 million for the 988 crisis hotline, $5 million for walk-in stabilization centers, and $625,000 to hire 20 additional ChildLine staff, strengthening the commonwealth's crisis response network.