Finding Safety and a Circle of Support
When Sierra connected with Community Resource Center, she was working to rebuild safety and stability after experiencing physical, emotional and financial abuse.
Following a recent incident of domestic violence, law enforcement responded and her abuser was removed from the home. After his release, he attempted to return to Sierra’s home and was removed again.
With support from One Safe Place, Sierra secured a restraining order and move-out order. She was then referred to CRC, where she connected with our compassionate Domestic Violence Housing First team.
For Sierra, reaching safety was only one part of moving forward. She also needed a way to remain safely housed while managing rent and other living expenses on her own.
Through CRC’s Domestic Violence Housing First program, our team provided individualized advocacy and rental assistance to help Sierra maintain her housing as she worked toward greater financial stability.
Supported by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Domestic Violence Housing First helps survivors overcome housing barriers and work toward safe, stable housing. The program combines survivor-centered advocacy with flexible financial assistance tailored to each person’s circumstances and goals.
While receiving support from CRC, Sierra continued working to manage her bills and began looking for a roommate who could help share the cost of rent. She successfully found one, giving her greater financial stability and easing some of the worry around monthly housing and living expenses.
Along the way, Sierra also recognized something else she had gained: a community of people standing beside her.
Advocates at One Safe Place, her CRC team and members of her church became part of what Sierra describes as her “circle.”
“I felt supported, safe and seen by my circle,” Sierra shared. “I’m extremely grateful.”
Her CRC case manager shared that Sierra is looking toward her future with greater hope.
Sierra’s experience is a reminder that moving forward after domestic violence can require many kinds of support. Safety, housing, financial stability, advocacy and trusted relationships can all be part of the path forward.
Through partnerships with organizations like One Safe Place and programs such as Domestic Violence Housing First, CRC helps survivors access the support they need to build greater safety and stability.
For Sierra, that support has meant feeling safer, more stable and more hopeful about the future.
