More Than a Safe Place to Stay:

How the Domestic Violence Center Helps Survivors Rebuild

At the Domestic Violence Center of Grays Harbor (DVC), safety is only the beginning.

With support from United Way Grays Harbor, survivors of domestic violence gain more than just a roof over their heads they gain the tools, skills, and support they need to rebuild their lives and thrive.

From Crisis to Confidence

Every survivor’s journey is different. Some arrive with children. Some leave with only the clothes they’re wearing. All are met with care, dignity, and practical support.

At DVC, staff work one-on-one with survivors to teach life skills that build confidence and independence:

Budgeting and money management
Cooking and managing a household
Understanding utilities and daily essentials

“Some survivors arrive having never cooked a meal, managed money, or made decisions on their own. We walk with them, step by step, to build confidence and independence.”— DVC Program Presentation

These aren’t just skills—they are tools to thrive and build a better future.

Rent Well: Turning Fear Into Freedom

In 2024, DVC launched Rent Well, a renter education program supported by United Way Grays Harbor. It helps survivors overcome housing barriers and move toward long-term stability.

Through Rent Well, survivors receive:

Training on tenant rights and responsibilities
Help with credit repair and rental history
A renter-readiness certificate to show landlords

“Rent Well isn’t just about finding housing. It’s about giving survivors real support, real tools, and a real second chance.”— DVC Staff

Gloria’s House: A Place to Begin Again

DVC’s shelter, Gloria’s House, is designed to feel like home. In just six months, DVC supported 36 women, 1 male survivor, and 46 children—each welcomed into safety and supported in moving forward.

Here, survivors don’t just find a place to stay—they start again. Some even give back, one survivor helped repair the shelter fence, creating a stronger home for those who would come after.

With United Way Grays Harbor, DVC Can Do More

Because of you, survivors gain more than safety. They gain strength, stability, and the tools to thrive.

With your help, we empower our community with the means to do more. 💙 More healing. More rebuilding. More lives transformed.

Better Together. United is the Way.