One of the many negative effects of the on-going pandemic over the last year has been an increase in danger to survivors of domestic abuse. Increased time at home and limited contact with those outside the home created a scary situation for some. For over 40 years, Raphael House of Portland has helped survivors find safety, hope, and independence. Since 1977, they’ve offered uninterrupted access to emergency domestic violence shelter in a confidential location. The mission of Raphael House is to engage the entire community in non-violent living through advocacy, education, and community outreach, and by providing a safe haven from domestic violence.

Raphael House proudly serves anyone impacted by domestic violence regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, disability, immigration status, primary language, or sexuality. They welcome multigenerational families including kids and pets! This ensures that there are fewer barriers to survivors seeking shelter not just for themselves, but for their loved ones and dependents. More than 400 survivors rely on Raphael House for shelter, food, hygiene supplies, safety planning, and emergency resources. With increased costs associated with the spike in need and extra cleaning supplies, Raphael House especially needs our help now!

In addition to the emergency shelter and 24/7 helpline that Raphael House runs, they offer a variety of supportive services including mentorship, family services, and housing assistance. Raphael House ensures that survivors are supported throughout every phase of their transition to life without abuse. Past residents maintain access to Raphael House’s Advocacy Center for supportive activities and services, and to maintain friendships and community.

Their mentorship program is a survivor-led mentorship group that meets weekly to learn about and discuss topics such as budgeting, landlord-tenant relationships, and life skills that help families stay housed. At each gathering, professionals and experts from the community are invited to share about relevant topics and resources, while survivor mentors offer insight and information through their unique lens of lived experience.

Often survivors are trapped in the cycle of abuse because they cannot find, afford, or get approved for housing on their own. Through their Shelter to Stability housing support program, each shelter resident gets assistance to overcome their individual barriers, secure permanent housing, and build a housing portfolio that shows they can be a successful renter. It also helps families get comfortably settled by providing a move-out kit with household and kitchen items, vouchers to Community Warehouse, and furniture delivery. Shelter residents who move out retain ongoing access to essentials (all of which are donated) such as kitchen and housewares, bedding, toiletries and baby items, food boxes, cleaning supplies, and safety needs including alarm systems and 911 phones.

60% of survivors served by Raphael House are children. Their family and youth services offer support in maintaining or establishing routines, address safety and supervision concerns, and provide access to community resources like Head Start or school placement, tutoring, and counseling. The Youth Program staff work with parents to identify family strengths and needs, and to enhance parenting skills, build support systems, and increase family attachment. Weekly parenting support groups allow caregivers a space to process challenges, share experiences and tools, and receive support from our team and each other.

Raphael House’s greatest need is general operating funds. During the month of April, Equilibrium will match all in-office donations to Raphael House. If you’d like to donate directly to Raphael House, click here, or donate something from their Amazon wish list.