For survivors of domestic violence, finding a safe place to call home can mean the difference between remaining in an abusive relationship and beginning a new life free from violence. Across Yolo County, families facing financial hardship, eviction, and housing insecurity struggle to meet basic necessities. Behind every housing crisis is an individual or family seeking safety, stability, and hope.
As communities recognize Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week November 16-24, Empower Yolo is raising awareness about the challenges of housing and food insecurity while highlighting its efforts to help survivors and vulnerable families secure safe, stable housing and prevent homelessness. The national campaign encourages action through education, advocacy, service, and giving.
According to the Family Violence Appellate Project, domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness and housing instability for survivors and their children. Survivors often face difficult financial and emotional challenges when attempting to leave an abusive relationship, particularly when children are involved.
“Domestic violence can often force survivors and their children to leave their homes unexpectedly to escape abuse without income or a safe place to go,” explains Lorena Palomar, Empower Yolo's Director of Housing Programs.
Even after leaving an abusive environment, survivors face additional challenges. Palomar emphasizes that “financial abuse, lack of affordable housing and limited resources can make it difficult to secure stable housing, leading to homelessness or housing instability.”
Financial abuse is a form of domestic violence in which an abusive partner uses money to maintain power and control. This can include restricting access to finances, preventing a partner from working, controlling household finances, or creating debt in their name, leaving survivors with limited resources to escape abuse and achieve financial independence.
Research cited by the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence in January 2026 underscores the connection between economic insecurity and abuse. Nationally, 73% of survivors reported that their financial situation greatly affected their ability to leave an abusive relationship. With rising living costs and limited affordable housing options, survivors often face additional barriers to achieving safety and independence.
Recognizing these challenges, Empower Yolo provides housing assistance and supportive services through its Rapid Rehousing (RRH), Eviction Prevention, and Domestic Violence (DV) Bonus Grant programs, helping survivors and vulnerable families find housing, overcome financial barriers, and maintain stable living environments.
“These programs help survivors and vulnerable families with housing navigation, financial empowerment, secure and maintain housing, move-in costs, and ongoing advocacy and support to promote long-term housing stability,” says Palomar.
The impact of these services is reflected in the housing department's recent accomplishments. Over the past year, Empower Yolo's housing advocates successfully helped 69 households, representing 147 individuals, secure housing.
For Palomar, these numbers represent more than housing placements. They reflect opportunities for individuals and families to regain stability and rebuild their lives.
“This achievement reflects our commitment to helping survivors and families overcome housing barriers, find safe and stable living environments, and work toward long-term housing stability,” she says. By connecting households with housing resources and providing support throughout the housing process, we have helped individuals and families take an important step toward rebuilding their lives and establishing greater independence.
Equally important is preventing homelessness before it occurs. Over the past year, Empower Yolo assisted 60 households, representing 288 individuals, in preventing homelessness and maintaining housing stability. Among enrolled households, 90% maintained stable housing for at least six months, while 85% of participants increased their income, accessed benefits, obtained employment, or completed financial education.
These outcomes demonstrate how financial assistance and ongoing support can empower individuals and families to achieve long-term stability, independence, and self-sufficiency.
For Evelyn (name changed to protect her privacy), a survivor of domestic violence, finding safe housing was an important step toward rebuilding her life. However, moving costs presented a significant barrier. Empower Yolo's housing advocates provided rental assistance and a security deposit, helping Evelyn secure a safe, stable home and an opportunity to focus on rebuilding her independence.
“This support reduced financial barriers and helped the client work toward greater independence and stability,” explains Jen Vasquez, Empower Yolo's Anti-Trafficking, Housing and Youth Advocate.
Evelyn's experience illustrates how timely housing assistance can help change the course of someone's life. For survivors escaping abuse, help with rent or a security deposit can provide the foundation for safety and a new beginning.
The need for housing assistance extends beyond survivors of domestic violence. Vulnerable families, the elderly, and individuals experiencing unexpected life circumstances may also find themselves at risk of losing their homes.
“Housing insecurity in Yolo County can affect anyone, including working families, seniors, and individuals experiencing unexpected financial hardships,” Vasquez explains. “Sometimes, a little assistance with rent or move-in costs can make the difference between keeping a home and becoming homeless.”
Vasquez draws inspiration from Millard Fuller, co-founder of Habitat for Humanity International, who emphasized that housing provides more than shelter—it offers “that intangible quality of hope” and the opportunity to rebuild lives.
That philosophy is reflected in Empower Yolo's housing programs. Beyond financial assistance, advocates provide encouragement, resources, and support during some of life's most difficult and uncertain moments, helping individuals and families regain confidence and build more secure futures.
Beyond housing assistance, Empower Yolo recognizes that access to nutritious food is another essential part of family stability.
At the Knights Landing Resource Center, located at 9586 Mill Street, food distribution is available every Tuesday from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Empower Yolo maintains a basic food pantry at its Davis and Woodland offices, and Woodland also distributes bags of nonperishable food to unhoused community members.
Additionally, Empower Yolo's After School Safety and Enrichment for Teens (ASSETs) programs at Woodland and Pioneer High Schools operate student-run food pantries, helping students access food during the school week.
As Thanksgiving approaches, community members can support Empower Yolo's housing and food assistance programs through financial contributions, grocery gift cards, and donations of nonperishable food items for holiday meals for families staying at the shelter. Empower Yolo extends its gratitude to Costco in Woodland for its generous donation supporting holiday needs.
Community members can also support Empower Yolo's “Rooms to Go” program, which provides essential household items to individuals and families starting over with little or nothing. These donations help turn a new living space into a home and make a meaningful difference for families rebuilding their lives. To donate or view the Rooms to Go wish list and other needed items, visit empoweryolo.org.
On Giving Tuesday, December 1, join Empower Yolo in supporting housing and food assistance programs that help survivors and vulnerable families find stability and independence. Make a donation at empoweryolo.org.
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week reminds us that safe housing and access to food are essential to the well-being of every family. Through awareness, service, and giving, we can help prevent homelessness, support survivors, and build a stronger community where more individuals and families have the safety, stability, and hope needed to build a better future.