Faith House Needs Reliable Transportation for Domestic Abuse Survivors

(99.9 KTDY) - Faith House is a domestic violence shelter in Lafayette that helps countless people each year, and now they are working to cross a hurdle to helping women and children become free of violence, and that's transportation. One of the major issues with women trying to flee a domestic violence situation is that they have no way to leave with themselves, their children, and their belongings.

Why Transportation Is Critical for Domestic Abuse Survivors

All too often in Acadiana, someone wants to escape but has no transportation.The group has started the Navigating Hope Transportation Campaign. When a woman without transportation needs to obtain a restraining order, attend a court date, or move to a safe location.

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The Navigating Hope Transportation Campaign is raising funds for new vans, as the vans they currently have are in desperate need of replacement. Faith House is also raising money for ride-share services, insurance, and vehicle maintenance, which goes along with the cost of any vehicle. You can't rebuild your life if you can't get assistance, work, or court dates.

READ MORE: HOW FAITH HOUSE GOT A BIG BOOST FROM LAFAYETTE POLICE AND THE COMMUNITY

Kristen Boutte from Faith House explains,

For a survivor, getting out is only the first step. After leaving an abusive home, survivors still need to get to court, to work, to medical and counseling appointments, and to school for their children. Without reliable transportation, those life-saving and life-changing services become unreachable.

The shelters of Faith House help women and children from the following parishes:

• Acadia
• Avoyelles
• Evangeline
• Lafayette
• Rapides
• St. Landry
• Vermilion

Why Faith House’s Vans Must Be Replaced

The aging vehicles that are currently in use at Faith House are in desperate need of replacement. The other issue is that a survivor knows that transportation through Faith House is safe and reliable. Having transportation means they can get to work, appointments, and other services.

Boutte makes an excellent point: "Every ride is a step toward freedom".

How You Can Help Domestic Abuse Survivors in Acadiana

If you would like to make a donation, you can visit the Navigating Hope website. For more information about the campaign, email Boutte at kristen@faithhouseacadiana.com.