Doorways

Geographic areas served: Arlington, Virginia

Programs: • Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline - Doorways is Arlington’s sole provider of this 24/7 service staffed by trained advocates. All callers have access to Doorways’ full scope of shelter and supportive services. We receive over 1,100 calls per year. • Safehouse/Safe Apartments – Doorways’ Safehouse is Arlington’s sole provider of shelter and specialized services for individuals and families fleeing domestic violence and imminent danger. Due to the dramatic increase of people fleeing violence in the past five years, Doorways has rented apartment units and used hotel partners when the Safehouse has been at capacity. Doorways has recently increased safehousing capacity by renovating our former Family Home to become our new Safehouse. The new Safehouse can serve up to 22 clients at one time, double its previous capacity. The renovation has included interior and exterior safety upgrades, ADA compliance, new HVAC systems, increased meeting spaces, and updated Safe Kennel. • HomeStart Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) – RRH is a nationally recognized best practice to help people obtain housing quickly. Our goals are to help clients obtain housing, increase independence, and remain housed. The program includes assistance from staff Housing Locators and government pass-through rent subsidies. After transitioning to independent housing, clients have ongoing access to subsidies and support services. We serve approximately 150 individuals per year, including 98 children, in this program. • Court Advocacy – Our Court Advocates assist individuals and families seeking protective orders, child support, and other court judgments. We serve over 300 individuals per year, including 130 children. • Hospital Accompaniment Response Program (HARP) – Trained HARP volunteers accompany survivors to the hospital for sexual or domestic violence forensic exams. There are typically over 30 accompaniments this year. • Children’s Services - This program includes all services that impact children in our programs. Counselors help parents obtain childcare for infants and toddlers and provide school-aged children access to counseling. They assist with extra-curricular activities, sports, summer camps and community activities. Engagement in these activities has been demonstrated to enhance self-esteem and social-emotional development for children impacted by past trauma. • Prevention – Doorways envisions a future free of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. Our Prevention program is designed to shift attitudes, behaviors, and social norms to change conditions that directly contribute to and perpetuate violence. Activities include workshops, community events, and campaigns to promote healthy relationships and non-violent communication.