Duke and Duchess of Sussex help out storm-damaged shelter

Duke and Duchess of Sussex visits the YES4youth centre in Tembisa. Picture: Timothy Bernard/African News Agency(ANA)

Duke and Duchess of Sussex visits the YES4youth centre in Tembisa. Picture: Timothy Bernard/African News Agency(ANA)

Published Feb 22, 2021

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have offered support to a women's shelter which suffered storm damage by making a donation to replace a roof via their Archewell Foundation.

Prince Harry and his wife, Duchess Meghan - who have 22-month-old son Archie together and are expecting their second child - have stepped in to fund a replacement roof at the Genesis Women's Shelter & Support in Dallas — which offers women and children in abusive situations a route towards a safe and independent life - via their Archewell Foundation after their housing facilities, school and offices were severely affected by the recent bad weather.

The organisation tweeted: "Today the news of our damages reached Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex!

"Through their nonprofit, they are supporting us by replacing the roof at our transitional housing facility & helping us meet our immediate needs. THANK YOU, ARCHEWELL FOUNDATION!(sic)"

The donation will also go towards repairs at Annie's House, the organisation's transitional housing facility and it was welcomed by the company.

Jan Langbein, CEO of Genesis Women's Shelter & Support, said: "Today, we were notified that through the actions of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's nonprofit, Archewell Foundation, Prince Harry and Meghan will make a donation to help us get back on our feet.

"Not only will this gift provide for our critical needs, it shines an international spotlight on violence against women and children, letting survivors know that they are not alone."

The major damage caused Genesis to close its doors for the first time in 40 years, but thanks to "the support and generosity of people from all 50 states and five foreign countries", the facility - which assists 3,700 women and children every year - has now reopened.