When people think of Friendship Home, they often think of shelter. While shelter can be lifesaving, it is only one part of how we support survivors of domestic violence.
Many survivors need help long before shelter is ever needed, or long after they have found a safe place to live. Through our pre-shelter and post-shelter advocacy programs, survivors can connect with Friendship Home quickly and confidentially. When someone reaches out, they are connected with an advocate right away.
Advocates meet survivors where they feel safest, whether that is at Friendship Home or another secure location of their choosing. Together, they focus on immediate safety through personalized safety planning and lethality assessments, along with emotional support and crisis counseling during overwhelming moments. Friendship Home also provides highly needed items such as clothing, hygiene products, diapers, food, and other essentials. These items can make a powerful difference for someone who has had to leave home quickly or is starting over with very little.
Advocates continue to walk alongside survivors as they work toward stability and independence. Support may include help accessing community resources, financial assistance, Nebraska Victim’s Compensation (NEVCAP), health care navigation, counseling, support groups, economic empowerment advocacy, and children’s advocacy services.
All services are provided at no cost. Survivors are never required to stay in shelter or follow a specific path to receive help. They remain in control of their decisions, with Friendship Home offering support, resources, and steady advocacy along the way. This is what community support makes possible. When you stand with Friendship Home, you help ensure survivors are met with practical support, not just for a night, but for the long road toward independence.
