THE PROJECT
OVER 2,000
ORANGE COUNTY
RESIDENTS
FLED FROM DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE IN 2019. YET,
NO SHELTER EXISTS IN
THE COUNTY
THE PROJECT
In 2019 we had more than 250 calls requesting emergency housing. And we have seen those numbers continue to increase in 2020. Orange County currently has no emergency housing. To escape a desperate situation, victims and their families must flee to shelter in another county far from family, friends, jobs, and schools or risk homelessness to get away from their abusers.
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Rapid placement in secure housing is crucial to reducing risk, yet adequate emergency housing remains the most critical gap in meeting our county’s domestic violence needs.
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A PROVEN FLEXIBLE APPROACH
Concern over this gap prompted Chapel Hill entrepreneur Marilyn Jacobs Preyer and Compass Center to take action. With funding from Jacobs Preyer and others, Professor Rebecca Macy from the UNC School of Social Work documented domestic violence needs in Orange County and researched successful emergency housing programs being used nationwide.
Based on these findings, Compass Center is raising funds for an innovative and compassionate new housing strategy that empowers victims of domestic violence, provides safety for them and their children, and keeps them in their community.
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STRATEGY - SCATTERED EMERGENCY HOUSING
We will lease 3 to 6 apartments across Orange County to shelter domestic violence victims for a few days up to three months. Known as “scattered housing,” this leasing strategy has proven successful for communities across the state and nation.
THE HARD TRUTH
2500+
ORANGE COUNTY RESIDENTS REPORTED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN 2019
94%
CLIENTS SERVED BY THE SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT OF THE ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE WERE VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
253
PEOPLE REQUESTED EMERGENCY HOUSING IN 2019, YET WE WERE ABLE TO PLACE ONLY 15 ADULTS AND 5 CHILDREN LOCALLY FOR BRIEF HOTEL STAYS
MORE RESOURCES TO MEET MORE LIFE SITUATIONS
SHORT-TERM EMERGENCY HOUSING
This new program will allow us to provide immediate assistance (food, rent, transportation) for families needing to flee.
RENT ASSISTANCE & TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
For families who aren't in immediate trouble, longer-term support ensures a successful transition to safe, stable housing. Ongoing case management helps women & families build secure lives and a strong foundation for the future.
FLEXIBLE FUNDS
For families who want to pay for their own housing, we offer direct financial support which covers relocation costs, utilities, car repairs, and food assistance.
