From a Home to Homeless in Just a Moment
Imagine reading your kids their favorite bedtime story and kissing them goodnight, then going downstairs … and having your whole life irrevocably changed in an instant.
“After finally settling the boys, I returned to the kitchen to finish cleaning up. John had been watching TV in the family room and he entered the kitchen in a rage. He was accusing me of flirting with our neighbor earlier in the evening when we were outside taking a walk with our baby. My mind raced I told him this was completely crazy and walked into the hallway to get away from him. He followed me and grabbed me by my hair, pinning me to the wall and raising his fist menacingly. I managed to escape to the kids’ room and yelled I’d call 911. He left the house slamming the door. That moment, the life I’d always dreamed of -the beautiful home, good school district, two successful careers and many friends and fun times, ENDED. I grabbed the kids from their beds and hurriedly stuffed some necessities into a Hefty bag, got in the car and drove away. “
Most homelessness occurs gradually, mounting bills, an illness that prevents work, missed rent payments, then eviction. Homelessness due to domestic violence is often sudden; with a single incident the victim and children flee the abuse and have nowhere to go. Wrestling with fear, shame, grief, and uncertainty the abuse survivor needs to figure out the next steps.
“At the time all could think about was to get out for safety… but then what? Things weren’t always great, but I’d never imagined this; sitting in a parking lot with my hands on the steering wheel, I had no idea where to go or what’s next.”
From 24/7 hotline and crisis assistance to emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, safety planning, financial education, basic needs assistance, and rent subsidized housing, Wellspring provides comprehensive support services to abuse survivors. Whether experiencing a crisis, or just needing to talk about a relationship that doesn’t feel healthy, Wellspring’s advocates provide confidential no-cost services. Access to affordable safe housing is critical for survivors to break free and remain abuse free.
Abuse takes many forms: emotional, financial, psychological, social isolation, or sexual. You do not need to be in a crisis, to have reported the abuse to the police, or to have experienced physical abuse to access Wellspring’s services. Wellspring’s advocates help survivors to understand their options and to make the decisions that are right for them.
“Walking through your doors was the first step to a new life. Wellspring helped me leave a ten-year abusive marriage. I felt overwhelmed and frightened, but Wellspring gave me confidence and strength, food, furniture, and rent assistance, and sat next to me as I told my story to the police and the court.“
If you or someone you know is experiencing relationship abuse, there is help available.
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24/7hotline 518.584.8188