A home can look different for everyone, but what truly matters is the sense of safety it provides. For survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), that safe feeling is often the first thing they lose and the most urgent thing they need to rebuild. When someone leaves an abusive situation, often with children in tow, they need far more than a roof over their head. They need stability, understanding, and support from others. That is why IPV shelters are essential lifelines, offering not only immediate security but the resources and care that help survivors heal and begin again.
At Bethany House, we offer extended wrap-around support that goes far beyond emergency shelter. Families stay with us while they rebuild stability at their own pace. We walk alongside each family as they move toward their own definition of success, helping them return to school, access job training, connect with therapy, and secure long-term housing.
For those who need continued support after their stay, our StepUP program offers extended advocacy services to help survivors who have completed Bethany House’s shelter program continue accessing resources to meet their basic needs and achieve their goals. StepUP helps to provide reduced-rent apartments, permanent housing, access to better employment, vocation/education, and financial literacy. Residents in our StepUp housing also benefit from the safety, stability, and security of Bethany House’s facility.
Despite the tremendous scope of work that IPV shelters take on, they operate with limited staffing and funding. In Ohio, the total cost of Intimate Partner Violence reached $1.15 billion in 2024, yet only 6.5% of that ($75,136,608) was spent on shelters, programs, and victim-support centers. That small fraction fuels life-saving services that help survivors rebuild their stability, independence, and future.
Taking care of others through this kind of comprehensive support is not only compassionate, but also a powerful investment in our community. Shelters like Bethany House help reduce long-term reliance on public resources, strengthen stability for survivors, and foster generational change. Beyond providing housing and daily care, Bethany House plays a vital role in prevention and safety. Our educators deliver outreach and training across the community, and we collaborate closely with law enforcement and health care partners to ensure protection and healing. Together, these efforts form a strong, compassionate network of hope, one that moves mountains for survivors despite the limited resources available.
Community funding is the backbone of the services Bethany House provides. Bethany House is proud to have been recognized with an award by the Greater Toledo Community Foundation and the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Northwest Ohio Chapter. These groups honored Bethany House as the 2025 Nonprofit of the Year (in the large category). This community acknowledgement encourages us in our work as a long-term resource for individuals and families. Please consider placing a donation to provide hope for a family in need.