Early this month, a resident we’ll call Rick left Sheltering Wings and moved into his own place. The Vietnam veteran who came home with two Purple Hearts will regain his autonomy after months of physical, financial and mental abuse.
What a celebration!
Having a place to call home is an enormous step in preventing a survivor from ever being abused again. The steps we’ve taken to support this humble man will go a long way in helping him avoid a recurrence of violence.
Leaving a domestic violence shelter is a milestone in every survivor’s journey, but it’s certainly not the end. Four big obstacles – affordable housing, reliable transportation, access to mental health services and quality childcare – too often force former residents like Rick back into the arms of abusive partners.
Most residents haven’t been self-sufficient for a long time, many having lived with abusers who controlled all the money, restricted choices, dominated social relationships and made every decision. When a resident like this is ready to leave Sheltering Wings, they face a way of living and a long list of unfamiliar and intimidating responsibilities.
Think for a moment about all the decisions you’ve faced when moving into a new place:
“How much must I earn to cover my expenses? If I don’t have a car, how will I keep a job? How do I find a new doctor? Where can I do my laundry? What can I do with my kids while I’m looking for work?”
And many more. For a survivor like Rick, combat injuries added another layer of considerations:
“How easily can I get to a grocery store? What if my apartment doesn’t have the proper accommodations? What if a landlord tries to take advantage of me because he or she thinks I’d be easily taken advantage of?”
Sheltering Wings, the Veterans Administration and a local hospital have answered all these questions with Rick so he can begin to build his new life right away. Our volunteers and donors also play important roles in helping us remove obstacles for people like Rick. Because of your support, Rick doesn’t have to go back to his abuser.
We’re so excited to replicate this feeling with many more residents, as we watch the construction of Haven Homes, a supportive-housing apartment community in Plainfield, Ind. Haven Homes will bring affordable housing and support services to more Sheltering Wings residents ready to live on their own.
By increasing the odds of success during the first months of leaving our shelter, we increase the odds that survivors won’t enter into abusive relationships again.
