As 2013 begins, domestic violence victims will have yet another option in their efforts to end the violence in their lives thanks to the generosity of our community and the vision of WEAVE’s leadership.

In 2009, WEAVE opened a new Safehouse designed to respond to the many barriers victims faced. The Safehouse features 18 family suites – six each in three wings. The pods feature shared kitchens and bathrooms. The design offers families the privacy needed with the benefits of other supportive families nearby. More importantly, onsite supportive services including case management, therapeutic counseling, and a K-12 charter school provide families with the support they need.

The Safehouse program is making a difference. Families are staying longer. In fact, families now stay an average of 29 days compared to only 11 days just four years ago. The longer stays are critical – of the families who stay at least 21 days, 75% exit the Safehouse to safe and supportive housing without the abuser.

The WEAVE Safehouse is intended – and funded – as short term emergency housing. For most families this is sufficient but each year we see families who must leave the protection of the emergency Safehouse while they are still vulnerable. These are women and children who desperately want peace but just need a little longer to gain the stability needed to make it on their own.

By early 2013 we will complete construction of the third phase of the Safehouse campus – a project six years in the making. The Next Step Village features four two bedroom, two bathroom homes. These cottages offer an option for the family who has built their skills through the Safehouse program yet needs the continued safety and support for a bit longer.

The cottages are being constructed thanks to a $1 million EHAP grant with the balance of costs funded through private donations including the Kelly Foundation, RCA Foundation, and Sleep Train.

Donate to the Next Step Village by clicking here.  All donations will be restricted to completing construction and furnishing of the cottages.

If you would like to more information about the Next Step Village, please contact Carrie Yoshida at 916.319.4909 or cyoshida@weaveinc.org