Survivor Stories

Juliana’s Story:

“I fled to Washington state with my 3 children to leave my abuser. I filed for divorce, and when my husband was served, he found our address. He was in Arizona but flew to Washington to stalk and harass me and the children. Because of a severe physical incident in early July of 2026, I had to leave my home and job to flee again for safety. I was living in my car with my kids.

“A DAWN Advocate talked with me about transitional housing and helped me fill out an application for a program. During that time, a spot in DAWN’s emergency shelter opened, and now my kids and I are staying at the shelter. I also did get approved for the transitional housing opening I submitted her application for, and my kids and I are now on the next steps of moving to a new safe home.”

Aaliya’s Story:

“I arrived at shelter with my baby and my cat while I was trying to find stable housing. I did not know what the next chapter would look like, but I kept working toward something more secure for my family. When I was accepted into transitional housing, it felt like an important milestone. It gave me hope that we were moving toward a more stable future.”

Keisha’s Story:

“Leaving my abusive relationship was not something I could do alone. I received ongoing support, safety planning, and resources that helped me take steps toward a safer life. With that support, I was able to leave the relationship and move into safer housing. I am rebuilding my life and reclaiming my independence.”

Marisol’s Story:

“I was experiencing homelessness and facing threats from an abuser. I needed somewhere safe while I waited for help finding permanent housing. DAWN connected me with shelter support so I could be somewhere safer and have support around me while I worked toward more permanent housing.”

Danielle’s Story:

“I was going through a difficult divorce, and I needed support to get through that process. I also began receiving mental health counseling. What has meant the most to me is seeing multiple generations of my family become engaged in healing and support services. This experience has helped me begin breaking cycles of trauma and moving toward healing.”

Kiara’s Story:

“For a long time, I have been dealing with housing instability, mental health challenges, employment barriers, and concerns about my safety. The support I received from DAWN helped me keep moving forward when things felt overwhelming. Recently, I was selected for an opportunity to receive a subsidized housing voucher. I am grateful to have support and to be able to see a safer, more stable future taking shape.”

Camila’s Story:

“I came to the Advocacy Center with my three children because we needed diapers and wipes. While we were gathering supplies, my son asked whether there was any food to eat. Someone found a few chocolate pastries and asked me if it was okay to offer them to my children. I said yes.

“The moment my son heard that, his whole face lit up. He started jumping and thanking everyone before he had even opened the wrapper. After his first bite, he threw his arms in the air and shouted, ‘I’M IN HEAVEN!’ Then he ran over and gave the biggest, tightest hug. I remember laughing and saying, ‘I’m sorry, he’s just really happy to be here.’ But there was nothing to apologize for. For a moment, my child was not worried about anything. He was just a kid, enjoying a snack and feeling safe.”

Sofia’s Story:

“I had been spending a lot of time alone in my room, and I really needed a reason to get out, connect with people, and have a change of scenery. My daughter and I joined the Art to Heart support group together. We created things, laughed, and spent time in a warm and welcoming space.

“What started as simply getting out of the room became something meaningful for both of us. I felt uplifted, and I loved having positive time with my daughter while building connections with other people in the community.”

Nia’s Story:

“When I found out that I made the dean’s list this quarter, my first thought was to tell my advocate. I have a hard time talking to people and opening up, but I trust my advocate enough to share good news with her. Her encouragement and affirmation helped me keep going, and it meant a lot to have someone celebrate this accomplishment with me. Being able to share my success with someone who truly listens reminds me how important it is to feel heard and seen.”

Andre’s Story:

“I had been homeless for more than five years after my parents kicked me out because I am LGBTQ+. While I was unhoused, I also experienced physical intimate partner violence. Finding an apartment was hard because I did not meet the income ratio that many landlords require. The apartments that were willing to work with me wanted a promissory note for three or more months of ongoing rental assistance.

“After I came to DAWN, I found an apartment. My advocate worked with the property manager to include the rent they wanted in my upfront move-in costs instead of requiring the assistance to continue. With support from Africatown International, DAWN was able to provide almost $5,000 in move-in costs. It helped me get my first apartment, where I could live safely with my dog.”

Brielle’s Story:

“I knew I needed to leave home because I was afraid and had active safety concerns. DAWN’s shelter team and advocates communicated about the family size they were screening for, and an advocate reached out when she learned that my family matched what the shelter had space for. We completed the screening over the phone, and I was able to enter shelter. Once I was there, I felt like I was getting the help I needed and that I was part of a community. I felt a sense of unity and safety that I really needed.”

Monica’s Story:

“The holidays can be hard, but the holiday marketplace gave me a chance to find gifts for my family and for myself. I was especially happy to be able to surprise my daughter with gifts. Then my advocate called and told me that I had won the raffle for the gift my daughter really wanted. I was so happy. It gave me a moment of joy during a difficult season.”

Tasha’s Story:

“So much is changing in my life. I am about to begin my career in phlebotomy, and I received a letter from my employer with my start date for next month. I had asked DAWN for help paying for my course and licensing requirements because I did not have the money to cover those expenses along with housing costs. DAWN supported me, and now I am ready to move forward.

“I also learned that my application to DVCHAP for rapid rehousing was accepted. With DAWN’s support, I was able to secure housing. Having a place to live and a career to begin gives me a real chance to move forward.”

Renee’s Story:

“My abuser and I were separating and trying to co-parent our two children while sharing an apartment. One night, when I returned to pick up the children, he stole my gun, waved it at me and our kids, and threatened to kill me. I called the police, but no arrest or other action was taken. After that, he continued to harass me by making false reports to the police and CPS.

“I was able to get a temporary Domestic Violence Protection Order, but I still needed help paying the move-in costs for a new home because he had stopped contributing financially. DAWN worked with a community partner and helped me secure almost $3,000 so my children and I could move into a new, safe place that we could afford.”

Maya’s Story:

“When I left shelter, I reached out to my advocate because I wanted her to know how much her support meant to me. She was a great listener and teacher, and I appreciated the way she showed up for me. While I was at DAWN, I attended an ECHO parenting class, and that class was the highlight of my time there. I wanted to share that because the encouragement I received helped me feel heard, supported, and seen.”