We all know (and research confirms it!) that domestic violence occurs across all racial, ethnic, and economic groups.
Beyond issues of prevalence, WTLC recognizes that survivors from communities of color and other underserved communities
—
such as immigrants, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ survivors
—
often face intersecting issues that disproportionately impact them. These issues increase their vulnerability to poverty and economic instability.
Specifically, we know that:
- People of color experience higher rates of poverty due to the accumulated effects of long-term structural oppression and inequality
- Immigrants face higher rates of poverty, hunger, and low-paying employment
- Disability can lead to job loss, barriers to education, and significant medical and other expenses
Currently, 76% of WTLC participants come from underserved communities. So in addition to providing our core services (housing, counseling, and legal support), our service offerings also focus on strengthening the safety net necessary to help survivors and their families attain economic stability and well-being.
This includes providing food and supermarket gift cards so no one experiences hunger, bus passes and transportation services for job interviews and medical appointments, and financial assistance to help pay utility bills and other basic necessities.
Recovering from a situation of trauma and abuse is hard enough to do from a place of relative stability; the situation is only compounded when a survivor's access to resources, opportunities, and basic survival needs is limited by the society around them. Your support of our programs provides the tools and resources for marginalized participants to first and foremost
survive
their day-to-day lives, which is the first step to establishing long-term safety and stability.
With Appreciation,
Mark
