National Homelessness Awareness Week, November 15-21, focuses attention on a crisis affecting 578,424 people in the U.S. every day. Although many factors may lead to an individual or family becoming homeless, domestic abuse is a major contributing factor. Domestic violence is the third leading cause of homelessness among families, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior in an intimate relationship used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another. Because the relationship is so highly controlled, the person experiencing abuse may lack resources needed to leave the home they share with an abuser. Many survivors of abuse are also isolated from friends and families leaving them with very few options of where to turn. As a result, they may be forced to choose between living with an abusive partner and living on the streets.

In northern Lower Michigan, we are fortunate to have the Safe Home; a secure, supportive residence for survivors of domestic abuse and their children operated 24/7 by the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM). While the Safe Home provides temporary housing for survivors, it does not solve the underlying societal problem of domestic abuse.

One way to reduce the number of individuals and families facing the threat of homelessness is to become more engaged, active and vocal about ending domestic abuse. How can you help? Support, listen to and believe survivors. Speak out against domestic abuse. Volunteer at the Safe Home or donate non-perishable goods to support families there. Help others become informed by inviting the WRCNM to speak to your organization, group, school or workplace. Be a role model by practicing respectful, healthy, non-violent relationships.

Let’s all commit to making positive strides toward ending domestic violence and homelessness in our community.