The American Civil Liberties Union is suing the City of Woonsocket on behalf of a local nonprofit that serves survivors of domestic violence. The suit alleges the city is withholding grant money without cause.
According to the lawsuit, the city was set to provide about $35,000 to the nonprofit Sojourner House for the operation of an apartment building and emergency shelter in Woonsocket.
In January, the city notified Sojourner House it would not be receiving the funds. The city cited property code violations among other issues. Employees of the Providence-based nonprofit allege they were not given the opportunity to rectify the problems.
The lawsuit also claims the city unfairly barred the nonprofit from receiving future grant money. A spokesperson for the City of Woonsocket was not immediately available to comment on the allegations.
