When Laura* arrived at Hidden Valley House, she was running for her life.
For years, her partner had abused her physically, verbally, and emotionally. He threatened her with a gun and made her afraid to go to the police. She was also terrified of what he might do to her cat, Pumpkin*.
Because of supporters like you, Laura escaped a life of violence and found a safe place to land at one of our confidential shelters, Hidden Valley House.
Our team at Center for Community Solutions (CCS) also connected her with Rancho Coastal Humane Society so Pumpkin would be safe while Laura was in the emergency shelter. Then Laura started rebuilding. She worked with a family advocate, landed a better paying job, and focused on permanent housing. Our comprehensive shelter program set Laura up for success, covering three months of car payments and her storage unit so she could keep moving forward without losing everything she owned.
Laura found a pet-friendly condo, and our shelter program helped with her rental assistance and moving costs. Laura called to tell us that she and Pumpkin were doing well in their new home, and that she was eternally grateful.
Every day, domestic violence shelters like Hidden Valley House save and change lives. Not all survivors get that chance. On any given day in California alone more than 1,000 people fleeing domestic violence are turned away because there are not enough services to meet demand. Across the country, shelter programs are facing historic government funding cuts. That means fewer survivors getting the fresh start Laura did.
This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, help us to be there for the next survivor who calls.
Your gift today will keep our vital shelters there for survivors like Laura.
*Names changed to protect privacy.