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The following article is part four of a five-week series focusing on raising awareness about domestic violence. October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and we hope to educate our community on this very important issue. 1 in 3 women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Locally, the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center has been serving victims of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault and child abuse since 1978. Last year, HCWC served 2,111 victims of abuse (face-to-face) from Hays and Caldwell Counties. 1,022 of those were victims of domestic violence.
It is impossible to plan for the future while running for your life.
The biggest obstacle facing a victim fleeing life threatening domestic violence in their home is most often the inability to secure safe, affordable housing. If victims do make the choice to leave they are often confronted with very real barriers when trying to access safe housing. These barriers are caused by the power and control dynamics of abuse, a need for safety and confidentiality, economic instability, the effects of trauma, and the lack of affordable housing in their communities. Domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children. When a victim must choose between their own safety and keeping a roof over their children’s heads more often than not they choose to stay.
While the majority of victims with children report that they stayed in the home for the sake of their children, the reality is that their children may be harmed. Children in violent homes are more likely to suffer emotional and physical difficulties as adults. Children need a safe and secure home environment where they can establish a routine and have a sense of normalcy.
HCWC is working with local and national partners to address this crucial need. Groundbreaking is tentatively scheduled for early 2020 on a 22,000 square foot transitional housing project to be constructed on the existing HCWC campus. It will consist of 18 apartment units (one to four bedrooms) with preference given to families with young children. Early education and childcare will be available on-site through partnership with Head Start (Community Action, Inc.). Families will be able to live in the housing complex for 12-24 months with rent being set at 30% of their income. In addition to safe, affordable housing, HCWC will provide case management, advocacy and counseling to residents.
This project has been a dream for the staff and board of HCWC for many years and community support has been incredible. Longtime HCWC supporters, the McCoy Family, were early, lead donors to the project and contributed a significant portion of the $2.48 contributed by individuals and foundations. Hays County ($600,000) and the City of San Marcos ($400,000) helped put the project within grasp. All board and staff members of HCWC have contributed as well as 20 lead donors. One of the final puzzle pieces is a partnership between HCWC and the Austin Chapter of HomeAid, a national nonprofit that works with organizations that help fight homelessness.
We are currently working on value engineering for the project and still working very hard to raise the funds needed to begin construction. If you are interested in seeing safe, affordable housing for victims of abuse in our community, please contact Melissa Rodriguez at [email protected]. This is a very urgent need for these families.
To support HCWC and victims of abuse, consider one of several community efforts taking place this month for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Enjoy a delicious meal at Loli’s Café (10/22, 10/29), Mochas & Javas (10/18), Leaning Pear in Wimberley (10/23), Black’s BBQ (SM-10/23 and Lockhart-10/30), Buda Drug Store (10/21-26), The Wooden Spoon in Wimberley (10/26-27) and thank you to those who already participated in our annual Dining for Change program: Loli’s Café, Grin’s, Rolling in Thyme and Dough Dripping Springs. A portion of proceeds will be donated back to HCWC. Or attend one of these fun community events: Go Purple Day on 10/24, wear purple to raise awareness and post pictures with hashtag #PurpleThursday; Purse Bingo, Lockhart Evening Lion’s Club in Lockhart on 10/26 at 5pm; Loteria For a Cause, The Porch – San Marcos on 10/29 at 6:30. For more information on services or any of these events, call (512)396-4357 (HELP).
