As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, we are reminded of the silent pain endured by too many in our community. Behind closed doors, countless individuals—our neighbors, friends, and family members—are living in fear. Across the nation, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men will experience severe intimate partner violence. In Colorado, over 27% of women and 14% of men face the unimaginable reality of domestic violence at some point in their lives. These numbers are not just statistics—they represent real people, with real stories of suffering and survival.
At Volunteers of America Colorado, we believe in turning the tide for survivors. Through our Southwest Safehouse and Durango Community Shelter, we offer more than just a roof over their heads. We provide safety, healing, and hope to those who have been left with nowhere else to turn.
The Southwest Safehouse: More Than a Shelter, a Lifeline
For nearly 40 years, the Southwest Safehouse in Durango has been a sanctuary for survivors—men, women, and children of all backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community. These brave individuals are not just escaping violence; they are reclaiming their lives. Each year, over 200 people find safety and support within the walls of the Safehouse, where they are given over 5,000 nights of shelter. But more than that, they find hope, a renewed sense of self, and the tools they need to build a life free from abuse and fear.
The Durango Community Shelter: A Place to Rebuild
For those experiencing homelessness—often as a direct result of domestic violence—the Durango Community Shelter has been a beacon of hope since 1991. Every night, the Shelter provides warmth, safety, and dignity to over 500 individuals, 40% of whom are women and children. This isn’t just a shelter—it’s the first step toward a new beginning. With spaces for families, men, and women, and communal living areas where residents can find a sense of community, the Shelter is a lifeline for those who have lost everything.
Administering essential services in Durango and the surrounding area since 1985, the Southwest Safehouse provides over 5,000 nights of safe shelter to over 200 victims of domestic violence each year. Each year the Durango Community Shelter provides over 9,000 nights of safe shelter to 500 individuals, 40 percent women and children and is the only 24/7/365 shelter service in Southwest Colorado.
Veronica Martin, director of both facilities, oversees the many services and programs and spearheads grant and fundraising initiatives. As she puts it “Both the Safehouse and the Community Shelter are places of peace and healing. We have created a community, one where our residents know they aren’t just a number, that the staff genuinely care about them, and that services we provide will help them create a sustainable future full of hope.”
During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we stand in solidarity with survivors, offering them not only a safe place to rest but also a chance to heal, to find their strength, and to start anew. We urge you to join us in this mission—whether by volunteering, donating, or simply spreading awareness. Together, we can break the silence, stand against violence, and offer the lifeline so many desperately need.
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