Support survivors escaping domestic violence

For 40 years Raphael House of Portland has helped domestic violence survivors and their families find safety, hope, and independence. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary in 2017 and look ahead to the future, we are reaffirming our guiding beliefs as an agency.

We believe that domestic violence is preventable.

We believe that everyone deserves to live a life free from violence, oppression, and fear.

We believe that the foundation of this work begins with creating a more equitable society for all people – of every age, race, gender identity, faith, sexual orientation, income level, ability, immigration status, and national origin.

The current political climate gravely concerns all of us at Raphael House. As an organization that supports people from marginalized communities, we see firsthand how changes in immigration policy, healthcare access, LGBTQIA+ rights, and funding directly threaten the safety of the survivors we serve.

But when there is darkness, we look for the light. During our four decades of helping families break the cycle of violence, we have discovered that maintaininghope is what connects our past, present, and future.

We are more committed than ever to supporting ALL individuals throughout their journey to safety. We believe that violence-free lives are possible, and deserved, and that hope is the key to our future.

We will continue to work to prevent violence until there is no longer a need for our services. Until that day is here, we need to maintain our vital programs.

Your support illuminates the darkness for those escaping domestic violence – thank you.

For survivors of domestic violence, the holidays can be an especially difficult and isolating time. Each December, we invite over 100 families to come to Raphael House and pick out gifts for themselves and their children.

Portland received more than a dusting of snow and ice, but this didn’t prevent our donors and volunteers from making this year’s Holiday Program a success. We provided toys, clothing, kitchen appliances, personal care items, and so much more to 103 families including 230 children. Families reconnected and kiddos participated in creative activities while their parents “shopped.” This was all made possible by more than 70 community donation drives and 90 volunteers who contributed 395 hours in just eight days!

Thanks to their generosity and your support of Raphael House of Portland, the holidays were filled with hope for survivors in our programs.