When someone flees a domestic violence situation, they are often factoring a number of considerations on how to maintain their safety and that of their family. In Spokane, the lack of affordable housing, reduced support for aid programs, and increased cost of living means finding safe shelter is harder than ever.

YWCA Spokane's domestic violence safe shelter is small and near capacity almost every day. For a survivor fleeing an extremely dangerous situation, sometimes temporary refuge means securing a hotel room.

A Tool in the Shelter Toolbox

"Hotels are just one of the tools in our shelter toolbox," says Jennifer Haynes-Harter, Director of Housing. "Hotels can be used to support male survivors, since we only serve female identifying survivors in our city shelter. We also use hotels when our primary location isn't safe for someone or when we are already full, which is most of the time."

Our shelter serves survivors of intimate partner domestic violence who are at the highest risk of harm and have the fewest safe options.

"We have to make sure that we are serving those in the most dangerous situations," explains Amanda Ramshaw, Shelter Manager. "All survivors deserve to find safety and support, so we work to connect individuals to other resources as needed too."

Right now, times are especially challenging as all community shelter programs are experiencing reductions in funding and increased operational costs.

What Hoteling Can and Can't Do

Spokane has a limited number of programs that truly serve as an immediate crisis response. Helping someone exit a highly dangerous place in that moment allows a little time and distance to better triage the situation. While placing someone in a hotel is an expensive and temporary option, it creates some breathing room, a safe space where advocates can begin conversations to find alternative solutions and help plan for safety.

Placing someone temporarily in a hotel isn't a long-term model. For the survivor, it can also feel isolating to stay at a hotel without access to in person support. It does allow for some flexibility and a hotel can provide a temporary safe space to explore options, such as:

• File for a protection order once the courts open
• Explore shelter options outside Spokane
• Change the locks or install a security camera at the survivor's house
• Secure a lease break
• Wait for a shelter bed to become available

The process is as survivor-led as possible, following the Empowerment Model. Advocates help with brainstorming options and available resources. Advocates work with survivors to explore what other safe options may exist, including trusted friends or family who may be able to support them once the immediate crisis has passed.

"We are very individualized with the approach to triage because we know no two situations are exactly the same," shares Amanda.

A Story of Hope

One survivor used the temporary safety our services provided to begin building connections with other programs and individuals in the community. She recently applied for and started a new job. She is learning how to live in community in a way she never has before, and stated how positive of an experience that has been for her.

When she first arrived into our sheltering program, an advocate conducted a coordinated entry assessment through which she was eventually provided a referral for a rapid rehousing project. With some healing under her belt, a new job, and the prospect of housing assistance, this survivor has become a beacon of hope to others.

"Everyone here has shown me respect, kindness and support. I honestly appreciate everything the shelter has done for my life! Thank you all so very, very much." - Survivor and YWCA client

The Real Cost of Crisis Response

Staff capacity and funding limit YWCA Spokane’s ability to support hotel stay. Beyond the cost of reserving the room, there are also transportation costs and time associated with supporting a survivor while staying in a hotel. Staff provide case management and support with food, toiletries, and laundry, which is critical work made even harder by limited resources.

"The reality is we aren't large enough or equipped to serve everyone who reaches out," explains Jen. "We can’t always offer shelter immediately, but we’ll always provide safety planning, resources, and guidance to help survivors stay safe."

Compounded with the strain the entire community is feeling, there are limited other resources to refer individuals to. With the high reported number of domestic violence cases in Spokane County, we need more support for survivors. We need a stronger community safety net to prevent folks from experiencing such high levels of housing instability and loss in the first place.

A hotel room can save someone's life, but it shouldn't have to be the default option.