YWCA Opens Two New Homes for Survivors
Pictured above: Ribbon cutting to open Lily House, one of the two new homes for Survivors opened by YWCA. Holding the ribbon on the left is Maria, YWCA housing manager, and Sue, YWCA board chair.
YWCA opened two new homes for Survivors of domestic and sexual violence in the greater Portland area. These provide safe, secure housing for Survivors and their kids while they heal and rebuild their lives following a traumatic event.With these new homes, YWCA now has five homes throughout the area for Survivors, providing housing for a total of 44 families!
Houseless Survivors in Portland
The latest Multnomah County point in time count found that houselessness in Portland rose by 20% this year. This count also found that 53% of the women experiencing homelessness were Survivors of domestic violence. Domestic and sexual violence is a plague on our community and we will not stop advocating for Survivors until there is peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
YWCA Survivor Services
YWCA operates with a housing first model because we believe that safe, secure housing is a human right. Survivors are welcomed no matter their credit or eviction histories and receive wraparound services like therapy, financial literacy classes, and assistance navigating the justice system.90% of our staff are Survivors. We offer peer support and understanding to the survivors we serve.Additionally, Survivor Services staff educates landlords and the government housing agencies how to respond to the specific needs of domestic and sexual violence survivors and honor their rights as tenants. We advocate for our program participants so they don’t get lost in or mistreated by unfair systems. We are so proud of YWCA’s Survivor Services team and all the work they put in daily to create a better future for Survivors and their kids in our community.Learn more about our Survivor Services and donate to our mission. Interested in being a better advocate for a Survivor in your life? Join us for Sexual Assault Advocacy Skills on September 12th. IF YOU ARE A SURVIVOR SEEKING SERVICES, CALL (503) 988-6400 OR 911
