As we ring in the New Year, we reflect on a year of progress, impact, and transformation at the Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC). With your support, we empowered survivors of domestic and sexual violence by providing them with the tools and resources to heal, regain independence, and rebuild their lives.

A Year of Growth and Healing

For 47 years, HAWC has been a lifeline for survivors, and thanks to your generosity, we continue to be a guiding light for those in need, offering a tailored trauma-informed approach that is as unique as each survivor we serve.

In 2024, Our Hotline Answered Over 47,000 Calls

This past year, HAWC was open 366 days (leap year), 24 hours a day—even during two natural disasters—continuously providing life-saving resources for survivors fleeing violence.

We Are Proud to Share Highlights of Our 2024 Achievements:

  • Transformative Services: We provided emergency shelter, legal advocacy, financial education, individual and group counseling, and much more to thousands of survivors.
  • Policy Impact: We worked alongside local leaders, city and state lawmakers and within the criminal justice system to advocate for policies that protect survivors and prevent violence in our community.
  • Increased Community Engagement: Our prevention and outreach programs reached thousands, raising awareness and building a safer more supportive community for everyone.
  • Expanding HAWC’s Visibility: We raised awareness to our mission by integrating the Advancement and Public Strategies team and increased our media relations while giving survivors a public platform: #SurvivorsSpeak.
  • Continuing Impactful Relationships: We are proud of our impactful relationships with leaders throughout the City of Houston and Harris County. Led by Precinct 4 County Commissioner Lesley Briones, Harris County committed $1 million for the next four years to serve survivors of our region like never before. Harris County granted $500,000 to renovate our existing residential campus into a Crisis Response Center—this effort was led by Precinct 1 County Commissioner Rodney Ellis.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community

We are deeply grateful for the generosity and support of all our donors, whether through financial contributions, in-kind donations, or volunteering your time. Your commitment to our mission has helped us make a tangible difference in the lives of survivors.

This holiday season, we received blankets, first aid and hygiene kits, toys, and coats to help meet the needs of survivors in our community. Your support of our Holiday Gift Express plays an essential role in making the holiday brighter for survivors.

If you are interested in making an in-kind donation or financial contribution, please contact our team at giving@hawc.org.

Support Survivors Today

Looking Ahead: One Safe Place

This year, we will reach a monumental milestone: the opening of our One Safe Place campus. The 5.5-acre, one-of-a-kind facility is inspired by the Family Justice Center model and will be a safe haven for survivors.

One Safe Place will offer:

  • A secure, 24/7 destination for healing with 135 apartment units, tripling our capacity to serve families fleeing violence.
  • An on-site Houston Independent School District (HISD) elementary school, childcare, teen lounge, and enrichment programs for youth.
  • A wide array of services, such as hospital accompaniment for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, legal advocacy, financial empowerment programs including rental assistance and housing, counseling, and more.
  • Free trauma-informed wrap-around services for residential and non-residential clients.

One Safe Place is where survivors can access everything they need to heal and thrive as they transform their lives free from violence. We need the community’s support to help us fulfill our mission to prevent violence for all and build a community of safe and healthy relationships.

Donate Now

How You Can Help:

  • Donate: Your financial support is critical in helping us continue to provide free and confidential services to survivors.
  • Get Involved: Become a corporate sponsor, attend HAWC events, or learn how you can host an event.
  • Share Our Story: Help us raise awareness and inspire others to join us in preventing violence and empowering survivors. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

Thank you for standing with survivors, supporting our mission, and for being part of this movement.

The work continues and we look forward to you joining us in 2025 for the incredible strides we will make as a community. Together, we can make a difference and prevent violence for all.

In Case You Missed It:

  • Join us for the 2025 Believe Luncheon, the one day of the year where we all come together as a community to share in our passion, engage in essential conversations, and support survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
  • Safety Planning Saves Lives. HAWC offers FREE, personalized safety planning through the domestic violence hotline and chat on our website.
  • #SurvivorsSpeak Campaign—Empowering survivors to share their voices, elevate their stories, and break the silence of shame and blame.
  • Learn about corporate sponsorship opportunities by emailing us at giving@hawc.org.