In first year, facility has served 46 survivors and their children
Bright Future Foundation’s BrightHouse hit the one-year milestone this summer after construction was completed and the facility opened to survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assualt in 2021.
The new emergency housing facility is a vital component of crisis response and is essential to the safety and well-being of the community. The BrightHouse provides safety, security, and protection to survivors and their families who are victims of violence while creating a welcoming, sustainable, trauma-informed environment for empowering survivors of all genders, their children and pets as they embark on their unique path to self-sufficiency.
“I don’t know where I would have gone without Bright Future Foundation,” said one shelter client. “BrightHouse saved me and my children from having no place to live. Thanks to
Bright Future Foundation, we have safe housing in our own community. Thank you for everything. My family appreciates all your hard work to help us.”
Since opening in July, Bright Future Foundation has assisted 46 survivors and their children for a total of 1,652 shelter nights.
“Last night, I could finally sleep without any fear,” said another survivor. “I did not worry about how my partner would abuse me next. I knew I had people to support me, and I was not alone.”
The facility has efficiency apartments and communal space for up to 22 survivors. Additionally, the main level has advocacy, counseling, meeting, and training rooms so that residents can easily access all Bright Future Foundation’s wraparound services.
The facility has also happily served seven pets, including three cats and three dogs.
After the BrightHouse, 90% of clients moved into safe housing, 60% of them supported by BFF’s housing programs. Clients spent 39 nights in shelter on average before being relocated to new, safe housing.
“It was hard and scary to go. And I cried a lot,” said another client. “But it was good too, validating. … (BFF) told me the resources and said it was a way to take back some of my power. And that’s what it felt like. I was entirely in control of what happened next. … (BFF) made it clear that I wasn’t alone and could get help there anytime.”
