We’ve also long understood that domestic violence survivors often face barriers to permanent housing, such as limited work history, poor credit, utility debt, and eviction history. Those barriers can trigger even the most resolute survivors into believing that they can’t move forward without their abusers. Feeling helpless, many return to their previous circumstances.

To truly break the cycle of abuse, we needed to create opportunities for independence, including access to safe, affordable housing. In 2016, we created our Step↑Up program to do just that.

Through the support of private donors, we acquired apartment units to provide permanent housing at a below-market rate for survivors who are ready to move out of the shelter but can continue benefiting from the security of a Bethany House facility.

Step↑Up housing meets survivors’ needs by allowing them to create positive housing history, provides the stability of location/schools for children, and allows for continued participation in our advocacy services, empowering survivors to continue achieving their goals. 

We all need someone to step up for us from time to time. Thank you for helping us step up for survivors.