Why Safe Housing Saves Lives

When people hear the word shelter, they might think of a building or a bed to sleep in for the night. But for survivors of domestic violence, a shelter bed is far more than that — it’s safety, dignity, and the first step toward hope. 

A bed at the VPC isn’t just a place to sleep — it’s a springboard. 

At the VPC, we know that when a survivor walks through our doors, they’re often making one of the bravest choices of their life. They’re choosing freedom and safety over fear. Inside our emergency shelter, that courage is met with wraparound support: a secure place to rest, advocates who listen, and resources that help survivors and their children start over without violence. 

A Safe Bed Means a Safer Future 

Research shows that access to safe emergency housing plays a critical role in a survivor’s long-term safety and stability. One national study found that 70% of survivors who received shelter services said they would have become homeless otherwise — but with shelter, they found the time and tools to build new lives.

Safe housing interrupts cycles of abuse. It creates space for survivors to get protective orders, enroll children in new schools, find jobs, and connect to counseling — all steps that make returning to an unsafe situation less likely. 

What the VPC Provides 

Every day, the VPC provides shelter and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing domestic violence right here in our community. Our shelter is more than four walls — it’s a place where survivors are believed, protected, and given the time they need to regain control of their lives. 

Your support helps keep our doors open and our beds ready for the next survivor who needs them — whether it’s tonight, tomorrow, or next month. 

How You Can Help 

When you support the VPC, you help ensure that no one has to face abuse alone — and that every survivor who needs a safe place can find one. 

• Make a gift to sustain our emergency shelter 

• Provide essential items for survivors and their children 

• Spread awareness so more survivors know the VPC is here 

• Speak up for policies that protect survivors and invest in safe housing 

  
  

A safe bed is so much more than a place to sleep. At the VPC, it’s a lifeline — and with your help, it can be the beginning of a life free from violence. 

If you or someone you love needs a safe place to sleep to escape abuse, help is available. Call the VPC’s 24/7 crisis hotline at 618-235-0892 or visit VPCSWI.org to connect with services.