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Public Journey

You're not safe at home

"Unsafe at home" can mean many things: intimate partner violence, family violence, family rejection, stalking, roommate conflict, or exploitation. You don't have to label what's happening to reach out. This path covers the immediate steps for getting safe, how to access shelter (including culturally specific programs for LGBTQ+, Latina/o, Black, Native, and immigrant survivors), housing rights Oregon law gives you, and financial help available only to survivors.

Step 1

If you're in immediate danger

Immediately

If you're in immediate danger, leave if you safely can, or call 911. You can also text 911 in all three Portland metro counties.

If you want to talk through options before calling police, or if police presence feels unsafe, call an advocate first:

Call to Safety, 1-888-235-5333 (24/7, all genders, multilingual) Oregon's primary DV/SA crisis line. They'll help you think through next steps without pressure, and they track live shelter availability daily at calltosafety.org/services/shelter-space.

Línea UNICA, 503-232-4448 (24/7, en español) Spanish-language crisis line for Portland Metro.

StrongHearts Native Helpline, 844-762-8483 (24/7) National crisis line staffed specifically for Native American survivors.

National Human Trafficking Hotline, 1-888-373-7888 (24/7) | Text BeFree to 233733 If you're being controlled, trafficked, or commercially exploited.

You don't have to know what you want to do before you call. That's exactly what advocates are trained for.

A few resources for this step4Browse all Housing resources →

Step 2

Safety planning, even if you're not ready to leave

As soon as you can safely connect

You don't have to leave to get help. Leaving is often the most dangerous time, advocates can support you in staying as safely as possible, planning a future exit, or just thinking out loud.

A safety plan covers: what to do if things escalate, what to grab first, where to go, who to call, what your children or pets need, and how to communicate covertly.

Any of these organizations will do a safety planning call by phone with no commitment required:

  • Call to Safety: 1-888-235-5333
  • Raphael House: 503-222-6222 (24/7 hotline)
  • Bradley Angle: 503-281-2442
  • DVRC (Washington County): 503-469-8620
  • Clackamas Women's Services: 503-654-2288

Document evidence when you safely can: photos of injuries or damage, screenshots of threatening messages, police report numbers. You don't need a complete record, advocates can work with whatever you have.

A few resources for this step5Browse all Housing resources →

Step 3

How shelter access works, Multnomah County

As soon as you need shelter

In Multnomah County, shelter isn't accessed by calling each organization directly, there's a shared gateway.

Gateway Center for Domestic Violence Services: 503-988-6400 Hours: Mon to Fri 9am to 12pm and 2 to 4pm (leave a message; they call back from a blocked number same day) The Gateway Center is operated by Multnomah County and runs the Safety and Stabilization Assessment (SSA): the shared intake tool that connects survivors to shelter and housing across all local DV agencies. Starting here is the fastest path to a shelter bed.

Once you've completed an SSA, your case is visible to all participating agencies, you don't have to re-tell your story to each one.

Major Portland shelter programs:

  • Bradley Angle: gender-inclusive confidential emergency shelter; housing assistance program; Marsha's Folx for LGBTQ+ survivors (lgbtq@bradleyangle.org)
  • Raphael House: gender-inclusive emergency shelter; 80%+ rate of moving to permanent housing; 24/7 hotline with international language access (503-222-6222)
  • YWCA PDX, Yolanda House: trauma-informed emergency shelter; CoRH program (34 units of community-run housing for longer-term stabilization)
  • VOA Home Free: confidential transitional and permanent housing across Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington Counties (503-771-5503)

Live shelter availability tracker: calltosafety.org/services/shelter-space, updated daily.

A few resources for this step6Browse all Housing resources →

Step 4

Culturally specific programs, find the right fit

Any time, match the program to your community

Getting routed to a program that actually fits your identity and community dramatically improves outcomes. These programs exist because general DV services have historically failed specific communities.

For LGBTQ+ and trans survivors:

  • Bradley Angle / Marsha's Folx: Oregon's only statewide culturally specific DV program for LGBTQ+ people. Gender-inclusive shelter, individual advocacy, safety planning, support groups open to the public. Named for Marsha P. Johnson. Contact: lgbtq@bradleyangle.org or 503-281-2442
  • Call to Safety: provides LGBTQIA+-specific support alongside general DV services; 1-888-235-5333
  • Equi Institute: Portland trans and queer services center; housing, healthcare, harm reduction advocacy

For Latina/o survivors:

  • El Programa Hispano / Proyecto UNICA: 24/7 bilingual (Spanish/English) crisis line, case management, DV and trafficking advocacy for minors and adults. Portland: 503-231-4866 | Gresham: 503-669-8350 | Crisis: 503-232-4448 / 888-232-4448

For Black and African American survivors:

  • Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI), ADSV Program: culturally specific, trauma-informed services for Black and African American survivors in Portland Metro. Crisis, shelter referrals, emergency transportation, case management. Hotline: 503-972-3698 (Mon to Thu 10am to 4pm)

For Native American survivors:

  • NAYA Healing Circle: Native American Youth and Family Center; DV and sexual violence services for those who self-identify as Native American across Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, and Clark Counties. 503-288-8177, Mon to Fri 9am to 6pm
  • StrongHearts Native Helpline: 844-762-8483, 24/7, national

For immigrants and refugees:

  • IRCO SAE (Services Against Exploitation): trauma-informed support for trafficking and DV survivors across Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, and Malheur Counties; immigration legal services; housing support. 971-312-9602 (referrals 8am to 5pm) | ircosae@irco.org

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing survivors:

  • Bridges Oregon: interpreting, advocacy, and DV crisis support. 971-202-1500
  • National Deaf Hotline: 855-812-1001 (video phone); 24/7 TTY and live chat
A few resources for this step9
NAYA Healing Circle Domestic Violence Program

DV and sexual violence services primarily for Indigenous community members across Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, and Clark Counties. Crisis intervention, safety planning, transportation, systems navigation, culturally relevant shelter connections, food pantry, affordable housing linkage.

El Programa Hispano / Proyecto UNICA

Culturally specific services for Latino/a survivors of DV, sexual assault, and human trafficking. 24/7 bilingual (Spanish/English) crisis line. Case management, parenting support, protective order help, shelter advocacy. Portland: 503-231-4866 | Gresham: 503-669-8350.

IRCO Services Against Exploitation (SAE)

Trauma-informed support for human trafficking survivors in Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, and Malheur Counties. Long-term case management, safety planning, immigration and disability legal services, housing support. Specializes in immigrant/refugee survivors. Referral line 8am to 5pm.

Bridges Oregon, Deaf/HoH DV Advocacy

Interpreting, advocacy, and DV crisis support for Deaf and Hard of Hearing survivors in Oregon.

StrongHearts Native Helpline

24/7 national crisis and support line staffed by and for Native Americans. DV, sexual violence, and stalking support. Available in all U.S. states and territories.

The Marie Equi Center (Equi Institute)

Portland health center offering gender-affirming primary care, harm reduction, and wellness services for trans, queer, intersex, and gender-diverse people.

Bradley Angle

Domestic violence shelter, advocacy, and housing support for survivors, with culturally specific LGBTQIA+ services.

Call to Safety

Portland-based crisis line and survivor support for people affected by domestic and sexual violence, serving callers statewide.

Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI), DV Program

Culturally specific advocacy for Black survivors of domestic and sexual violence in the Portland metro area.

Browse all Housing resources →

Step 5

If you're being trafficked or commercially exploited

Any time, you don't have to prove anything first

Trafficking doesn't always look like what people imagine. It includes being controlled through debt, having your documents taken, being forced or coerced into sex work, or being threatened to keep you working. You don't have to prove anything to ask for help.

National Human Trafficking Hotline, 1-888-373-7888 (24/7) | Text BeFree to 233733 Confidential; can connect you to local services.

Safety Compass, 971-235-0021 (24/7) | safetycompass.org For survivors ages 25 and under in Northwest Oregon (Clackamas, Marion, Multnomah, Washington Counties). Their Emergency Response Team sends advocates 24/7 at the request of law enforcement, DHS, and juvenile centers. The North Star Reception Center provides temporary secure housing while you await placement.

IRCO SAE, 971-312-9602 (referral line 8am to 5pm) | ircosae@irco.org Covers the broadest geography in Oregon for trafficking survivors, including Malheur County (Ontario area). Specializes in immigrant and refugee survivors; immigration legal services, housing support, long-term case management.

New Avenues for Youth, New Day, 503-258-7081 (Mon to Fri 10am to 6pm) | Text welcome For ages 12 to 25 experiencing sex trafficking or exploitation in Portland Metro. Mentoring, advocacy, housing referrals, LGBTQIA2s+ services.

🏳️‍⚧️ Butterfly House: for ages 18 to 24 in the sex trades; Oregon's first transitional housing program specifically for this population. No rent or utilities during a 12 to 16 month stay. Email newdayhousing@newavenues.org to inquire.

Morrison Child and Family Services, SAGE Program | morrisonkids.org For ages 11 to 17. Long-term residential treatment and stabilization for trafficking survivors; centered on the belief that healing is possible.

A few resources for this step5Browse all Housing resources →

Step 6

Gather documents, and protect your address

When it's safe to do so

When you have a safe moment, gather:

  • Government-issued ID and Social Security card
  • Birth certificate (and children's, if applicable)
  • Health insurance cards and medications
  • Any financial account information
  • Evidence of abuse, photos, messages, police report numbers
  • Immigration documents if applicable

If documents were taken from you: Oregon allows ID replacement at no cost for DV survivors. Ask your advocate, most programs will help you with this.

Oregon Address Confidentiality Program (ACP): free The ACP is a free mail-forwarding service run by the Oregon DOJ that protects your physical address. Once enrolled, you receive a substitute address used in government records, voting, driver's licenses, school enrollment, and more. Available to survivors of DV, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, and bias crimes.

You must apply through a certified Application Assistant (AA) in your area, your local DV advocate can connect you with one, or contact:

  • Phone: 503-373-1323 | Toll-free: 1-888-559-9090
  • Email: ACP@doj.oregon.gov
A few resources for this step3Browse all Housing resources →

Step 7

Oregon housing rights survivors have by law

As soon as housing stability is at risk

Oregon law gives survivors of DV, sexual assault, stalking, and bias crimes specific housing protections, regardless of what your lease says.

You can end your lease early without a fee if you do so within 90 days of the incident, or at any time with an active restraining order. You give the landlord 14 days' written notice with documentation; the lease-break fee is waived.

You can request lock changes from your landlord, they're required to change the locks within a reasonable time if you request it and provide documentation.

You can have an abuser removed from the lease while you stay in the unit.

VAWA federal protections (for subsidized housing): if you live in Section 8, public housing, or any HUD-assisted property, you cannot be denied housing or evicted because of violence committed against you. You can also request an emergency transfer to another unit, ask your housing authority or building manager for the VAWA Emergency Transfer Plan.

Source: Oregon DV Housing Protections, ORS 90.453

If a landlord isn't cooperating, contact your local DV advocate or call YWCA PDX (503-294-7400), they provide restraining order and housing advocacy specifically for survivors.

A few resources for this step3Browse all Housing resources →

Step 8

TA-DVS and Crime Victims Compensation, money most survivors don't know about

As early as possible, don't wait until you're in crisis

Two financial assistance programs exist specifically for survivors and are dramatically underutilized.

Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors (TA-DVS) Administered by ODHS. Provides up to $3,200 over a 90-day period for families experiencing DV to cover:

  • Moving costs and first month's rent
  • Security deposits
  • Locks and security cameras
  • Other safety-related expenses

Apply safely through your local ODHS office. More information: oregon.gov/odhs/dv

Your DV advocate can help you navigate the application, the process is designed to be done with support, not alone.

Oregon Crime Victims' Compensation (CVC) Program Administered by the Oregon DOJ. Helps survivors of DV, sexual assault, and trafficking with:

  • Medical and counseling bills
  • Lost wages
  • Relocation costs in some cases
  • Funeral/burial costs

Apply at doj.state.or.us/cvcportal or call 503-378-5348 / 1-800-503-7983.

💡 Oregon also has over 60 Survivor Housing Fund programs, funded by the Oregon DOJ, operating statewide. Survivors access this funding through the local advocacy organizations listed throughout this path; the money flows through the orgs, not directly to survivors.

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Step 9

If you're not in the Portland metro, every Oregon county has a program

Any time, statewide

Oregon has at least one dedicated DV shelter or program in every county, all funded through the Oregon DOJ's Survivor Housing Fund. The fastest way to find the program in your county:

OCADSV's Find Help directory: ocadsv.org/find-help Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence maintains the most current statewide map, searchable by county. All programs are community-based and free.

211 Oregon: Call or text 211 (text your zip code to 898-211) Statewide referrals 24/7.

Key regional programs:

  • Central Oregon (Bend), Saving Grace: 541-389-7021 / 866-504-8992 | saving-grace.org, emergency shelter, transitional housing, relocation, legal advocacy
  • Lane County (Eugene), Hope & Safety Alliance: 541-485-6513 | hopesafetyalliance.org, emergency shelter (Jamie's House), housing-focused case management
  • Mid-Willamette Valley (Salem), Center for Hope & Safety: 503-399-7722, emergency shelter, housing advocacy
  • Jackson County (Medford), Community Works: 541-779-4357 (24/7), shelter, advocacy; leads Jackson County Human Trafficking Task Force

Tribal program (Lincoln County): Siletz Cares provides confidential, culturally appropriate DV and SA advocacy services specifically for Native American community members in Lincoln County. Contact through Siletz Tribal Services.

Call to Safety (1-888-235-5333) also provides statewide referrals from their Portland-based line, call them anytime if you're not sure where to start.

A few resources for this step5Browse all Housing resources →

Related journeys

  • Are you facing an eviction or struggling to pay rent?Facing eviction in Oregon? This walks you through the FED process, emergency rental assistance (Oregon EPRR, 211, county-level STRA programs), what NOT to do during the proceeding, and how to get free legal help from Oregon Law Center.
  • You experienced housing discriminationIf a landlord treated you unfairly because of who you are, that may be illegal, and you have a limited window to act. This path covers what counts as housing discrimination under Oregon law, the one-year deadline to file a complaint, how to document what happened, and where to report it. Being trans is a protected class in Oregon housing, and what happened to you may count.

More Housing resources

Browse all Housing resources →

These are just some of the resources available to queer & trans Oregonians.

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