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| A Place of Refuge and Renewal |
| HopeSpring gives domestic violence survivors a fresh start |
“Elaine” fled from her abusive husband, taking her two young children with her. When they first came to Lutheran Community Services’ HopeSpring program, they had been homeless for a year and Elaine suffered from serious depression. With the help of LCS staff, she emerged from her depression, worked hard at being a good mother, and gained the skills to become more independent. Today, Elaine has maintained stable housing for 2 ½ years, has found employment, and has even received two promotions at work.
“Beth” came to HopeSpring with her six-year-old, and was six months pregnant with her second child. When she had refused to have an abortion, the father became emotionally, physically and verbally abusive. He finally abandoned them, leaving them unable to afford to stay in their apartment. HopeSpring gave Beth the support and stability to help her have a healthy baby, keep her job, and move toward self-sufficiency. She now has affordable housing and childcare, and is taking the first steps toward a new life with her children. |
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| These are just two examples of the many, many success stories made possible by LCS’ HopeSpring program. Located in Washington County, Oregon, HopeSpring provides transitional housing services for homeless women and children who have experienced domestic violence or drug/alcohol abuse. The program offers rent and childcare assistance, mental health counseling, domestic violence education, parenting education, and relapse prevention support. The program’s ultimate goal is self-sufficiency - a fresh start - for the women and children it serves. |
HopeSpring addresses a serious, but often invisible, reality that exists in its community, and in most communities in our country. The facts:
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Over 4,000 children are homeless in Washington County each year. |
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Most homeless women and children have been victims of domestic violence. |
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Adequate education, support and financial assistance are necessary to break the cycle of poverty, violence, and homelessness. |
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| Collaboration is key to serving the needs of Washington County’s homeless women and children. HopeSpring’s community partners include LifeWorks NW, Community Action, and Domestic Violence Resource Center. |
| HopeSpring’s success is also made possible by the support of numerous foundations, congregations, businesses and individual donors. Recent grants and other funding have come from: |
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Calvin Presbyterian Endowment Fund |
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Providence Community Benefits Fund |
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The Collins Foundation |
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Southminster Presbyterian Church Foundation |
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Hanna Andersson Children's Foundation |
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Spirit Mountain Community Fund |
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Juan Young Trust |
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United Way of the Columbia-Willamette |
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LCMS World Relief and Human Care |
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Women of the ELCA |
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Portland Women's Union |
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Women's Care Foundation |
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| Besides financial support, the program also seeks donations of household furnishings, such as beds, dressers, kitchen tables and chairs, as well as kitchen items and linens. |
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Although the program’s successes over the years are well-documented, the most significant evidence of success comes from the words of HopeSpring clients themselves:
“The support I’ve received from HopeSpring is priceless and I can’t say Thank You enough. My daughter and I have a new beginning and a real head start on the future.”
“I thank God for HopeSpring. They gave us hope and strength to handle anything that came our way.”
“HopeSpring got me out of a hole and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I’m glad you were there when I needed you so badly!”
“A few months ago I was so deep in crisis - you really came to the rescue. We are so thankful to HopeSpring for being a shining star in our darkest time.” |
To learn more about HopeSpring, call 503/924-2449 or click here. |
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