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 SHELTER

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.