Support survivors escaping domestic violence

“I was in an abusive relationship and that's not what I intended for my life or my children's lives. I decided I'm going to leave – I want out. But I have two small kids. I had to be smart – lots of women get really hurt if they leave in a way that’s not planned. 

I got connected with Raphael House through my health care originally, a domestic violence advocate at my clinic (OHSU). She was the best person I could’ve ever hoped to help me get out of a situation like that.”

Whether through our 24-hour hotline or community advocates, Raphael House is always there for survivors. 

"When we first came to shelter, I was in survivor mode, like fight or flight. And then we got settled in our room, and we made it our own. That’s very healing, very therapeutic, to have a little space in this world to get yourself together. 

I was at Raphael House for one month before a new participant came in, and we just kind of found comfort in each other. Our relationship kept growing – I'd watch her kids, she'd watch my kids, and then we decided, ‘Hey, we're family now.’

We really connected and that’s completely changed my life for the better. I’m not alone anymore and that’s a really great feeling."

The first step in many families' journey to safety is staying in our shelter and receiving personalized support from our advocates, while building community with other survivors. 

"What keeps me connected to Raphael House is that I have a place here forever.

I have many memories here. My son started walking here. I met my best friend here. My advocates are still here. They welcome me back with open arms every time... Everybody really cares, and it's nice to know that that care wasn't just in the six months that I needed help in shelter. It's going to be for as long as I want it."

We proudly help families like Katy's get into safe and stable homes, and then stay connected to support for as long as they need. 

"My life now is a million times better than when I started a year and a half ago.

I have moved out of shelter and got my own place. I'm the first woman in my whole family to have a place in her own name. I work full time and I am free!

Raphael House has helped me every step of the way."

With your support, Raphael House helped over 1,700 adults and kids in 2025!

Through the turmoil of funding cuts and drastic changes, our life-saving domestic violence services have continued to be here 24/7/365 for survivors – from their first call to our hotline, and then for as long as they need, while rebuilding after abuse.

This unique approach ensures that survivors never find themselves without support, community, and resources. In 2025 alone, our team gave out 22,221 pounds of fresh food, 110,090 diapers, and hygiene supplies to help ease the burden on survivor families. Over 79% of families in our programs also received housing related supports like rent or utility assistance.

Thanks to these ongoing supports, a recent survey of over 125 families accross our programs found that 98% remain in safe housing, and 94% say that their family is more stable since connecting with Raphael House. 

In a time when funding is scarce, your support gives us the flexibility to continue showing up for survivors at every stage in their journey. From all of us at Raphael House, thank you!