Advocacy
Doorways is a strong advocate for the rights and needs of survivors and victims of family violence and homelessness
and for the ultimate elimination of both. In order to be effective, Doorways must advocate for those experiencing them on multiple levels as individuals, as a community and institutionally through
public policy and systems advocacy.
Public policy includes federal, state, and local laws that impact victims and survivors of family violence and homelessness and address prevention strategies, the agencies and systems that respond to and prevent violence and homelessness, policies and protocols, and funding for the provision of services. Systems advocacy is the tool that advocates and other professionals use to ensure the rights and needs of victims of violence as they negotiate systems on their journey toward healing and also to ensure that the prevention of family violence and homeless is addressed.
Two ways in which Doorways actively works with the Arlington community to address the issues of domestic violence and homelessness are Project PEACE and the Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness.
Partnering to End Abuse in the Community for Everyone: Project PEACE
Doorways serves as key leader and catalyst in the launch and leadership of Arlington’s coordinated community response coalition, Project PEACE. This best practice approach unites 25+ public and private entities under a comprehensive vision and strategic course for how Arlington will prevent domestic violence and protect and provide services for those affected by it. Project PEACE facilitates coordination among agencies to strengthen services and address gaps in family and intimate partner prevention and interventions.
Doorways is most active in Project PEACE in the following ways:
- Educating young people and the community about domestic and dating violence, anti-bullying techniques, harassment, and conflict mediation.
- Strengthening response from law enforcement officials.
- Expanding affordable housing options for survivors so they do not have to return to abusive partners.
- Reducing the cycle of violence and victimization by providing specialized treatment for children, teens, and adults who have witnessed acts of domestic violence.
Doorways is grateful for the support from the community and funding provider Temple Rodef Shalom for allowing us to fulfill our advocacy mission as a leader in Project PEACE.
Housing First: Arlington County’s 10-Year-Plan to End Homeless
Housing First is not just a fancy slogan; it’s a legitimate and innovative new direction being forged in the homeless-serving sector. It represents a paradigm shift from traditional methods of service delivery where “serving the homeless” with shelter, food, basic necessities, and supportive services” was the emphasis – not permanent housing. To truly “end homelessness” - the primary goal of the 10-year plan - a philosophical and programmatic emphasis shift, emphasizing more than one approach, is required by many service sectors. We must work to prevent homelessness before it occurs, and to prioritize finding permanent housing when homelessness does occur.
Beginning in 2004, Doorways began to shift its program design so that families leaving shelter had more permanent housing options with longer-term housing subsidies, with the goal that our services are transitional, not the family’s housing. . We successfully advocated with the County to create a Transitional Housing Grant program that created the necessary bridge homeless families need to meet the high cost of permanent housing. Since that time we have worked to develop partnerships with landlords willing to offer families a new beginning. Today through Doorways’ HomeStart Supportive Housing Program, families leave shelters and move into housing that either is or will become their own as they progress through the program. Some families are even able to bypass the use of our shelter thanks to this approach. With future housing no longer a worry, the program provides comprehensive, supportive services that help families address the root causes of homelessness and domestic violence, while gaining positive life skills and fostering positive landlord-tenant relations that anchor permanent housing.
In addition, Doorways staff continues to work with public and non-profit organizations in Arlington designated to implement and facilitate the promises of the 2006 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness in Arlington County.
For more information about Doorways Community Education and Outreach click here.