Create stability for people in our community. Your support prevents evictions and provides food access.

After years in an abusive relationship. Madeline* made the decision to leave her partner and get a fresh start for herself and her children. However, as a stay-at-home mom, she had no income, and her partner controlled the household finances. On her own, she couldn’t afford the apartment her family was living in.

Fortunately, Madeline reached out to WayForward Resources and connected with a case manager. She discussed her need to find work, childcare, and an affordable place to live for her family. She also wanted to stay in her current neighborhood to allow her kids to remain focused and engaged in school and connected to their friends.

Together, she and her case manager worked on a planned move with these goals in mind. WayForward provided financial assistance that Madeline applied toward the remaining months’ rent at the too­-expensive apartment and offered our food pantry as a resource option, which could allow her to save funds to pay the security deposit at a new place. Madeline and her family’s new apartment is much more affordable and still within her children’s school district.

Domestic violence is a leading cause of housing instability and homelessness for women. Survivors are often forced to leave their homes to escape abuse, only to then face barriers in obtaining and maintaining safe housing, including limited access to financial resources and discrimination by housing providers. Women who experience violence are also disproportionately more likely to experience food insecurity than the general population. Food security plays a vital role in a person’s well-being, affecting school, employment, and health outcomes.

With record demand for our food and housing services, your support is needed now more than ever.

Our food pantry is experiencing three times as many visits as we had only two years ago, and distributing the equivalent of almost 122,000 meals a month. Last year over 700 households received financial assistance to remain in stable housing, a 90% increase since 2019.

Your support helps families like Madeline’s feel safe and stabilized in their new beginnings.

Join us in building a strong community where everyone has enough food to eat and a warm place to sleep. Donate today to make a difference. Thank you!

*A representative name and photo have been used to protect client confidentiality.