At Faces of Hope, we meet people every day who make the bravest decision of their lives: choosing safety over violence. Yet too often, that decision comes with a heartbreaking consequence — homelessness.
A recent Idaho Capital Sun report revealed that 44% of families served by CATCH last year were fleeing domestic violence. That statistic reflects what we see at Faces of Hope every day: homelessness is not about “poor decisions.” It is a story of survival.
The Hidden Link Between Violence and Homelessness
When someone escapes an abusive partner, they are rarely just leaving a home. They are leaving behind:
- Financial security
- Belongings and stability
- Support networks
- Employment
- A predictable daily life
- A sense of safety
Survivors often flee in a moment of crisis. They pack what they can — or nothing at all — and run. Many arrive with no savings, damaged credit due to financial abuse, or criminal charges tied to coercion. Once they make it out, they face a housing market that is nearly impossible to navigate alone.
At Faces of Hope, we want our community to understand:
Homelessness is not a failure. It is often a courageous act of self‑preservation.
A Story of Courage: Maria’s New Beginning
One survivor who came through our doors, whom we’ll call Maria, fled years of trafficking and abuse with her 11‑year‑old daughter. After a devastating fire destroyed their home, they found themselves with no possessions, no safety net, and nowhere to turn.
Maria arrived at Faces of Hope terrified — but determined.
Through our partners and generous donors, she was able to secure an apartment. It was empty at first. No furniture. No dishes. No sense of home.
But our community stepped up.
Together, we helped furnish her space, provide basic necessities, and begin restoring the sense of stability she and her daughter had lost. In a letter she later wrote, Maria shared that the support she received felt “bigger than a thank‑you” — it gave her and her daughter the ability to rest, rebuild, and dream again.
Stories like Maria’s remind us why our work matters.
What Survivors Need — And How Our Community Can Help
For survivors of domestic violence, escaping danger is only the first step. Rebuilding requires:
- Safe, stable housing
- Trauma‑informed care
- Advocacy and legal support
- Emotional healing
- Navigation of complex systems
- A community willing to stand with them
Faces of Hope provides these critical services every single day. But the growing connection between domestic violence and homelessness means we cannot do it alone.
This is a community issue — and a community opportunity.
Here’s how you can make a difference:
Support local nonprofits
Organizations like Faces of Hope and CATCH work hand‑in‑hand to help survivors find safety and housing.
Advocate for policies that protect survivors
Removing barriers related to credit, criminal records, and access to housing can change the trajectory of a life.
Lead with compassion
When you see someone experiencing homelessness, remember:
You may be looking at a survivor who chose courage over fear.
Hope Begins With Us
Every person deserves to live free from violence and fear. At Faces of Hope, we walk alongside survivors as they reclaim their lives — offering safety, dignity, and a path forward.
When survivors have support, they don’t just escape trauma.
They rebuild.
They thrive.
They create new beginnings.
And with your help, they never have to walk that journey alone.
