Making LA Safer for DV Survivors

Community safety

County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Applying a proven solution to a new issue or sector (using an existing model, tool, resource, strategy, etc. for a new purpose)

Domestic violence remains one of the leading causes of homelessness for women and children in Los Angeles County. According to the 2023 Los Angeles County Women’s Needs Assessment, 41% of women experiencing homelessness reported that domestic violence contributed to their housing instability. Survivors often flee with little notice, limited resources, and nowhere safe to go. The shortage of emergency shelter beds means many face long waitlists or must choose between returning to abuse or becoming unhoused. Even when shelter is secured, the path to long-term safety is complex. Survivors face financial instability, legal obstacles, and limited housing options. These challenges are especially acute for immigrant, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ survivors. The need for trauma-informed, culturally responsive services that meet survivors where they are is urgent and ongoing.

This grant will support the core operations of Rainbow Services, a domestic violence agency that has served Los Angeles County since 1983. Our work helps survivors of domestic violence and their children regain stability through a full spectrum of free, client-centered support. This includes emergency shelter, transitional housing, legal services, housing navigation, case management, support groups, and prevention education. We also operate a 24-hour bilingual hotline to help survivors connect with safety and resources at any time. Our staff reflect the communities we serve and provide services in English and Spanish, with interpretation available as needed.
General operating support will ensure we can maintain high-quality care across all program areas, retain skilled staff, and remain responsive to the evolving needs of our community. At a time of rising demand and shrinking safety nets, this funding will help us continue providing a lifeline to families facing one of the most urgent public safety issues in Los Angeles.

If Rainbow Services is successful, Los Angeles will be a safer, more stable place for survivors of domestic violence and their families. More individuals will have access to immediate safety, supportive housing, and the tools they need to rebuild their lives. Fewer survivors will be forced to choose between danger and homelessness. More children will grow up in stable, nurturing environments, free from violence. Our prevention efforts will reach more community members, helping shift cultural norms and reduce future harm. As we continue to support survivors across languages, neighborhoods, and backgrounds, our work contributes to a more compassionate, connected, and resilient Los Angeles.