FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | October 6, 2025

YWCA Spokane is on track to receive 6,000 calls by year-end—nearly 2,000 more than 2024

SPOKANE, WA – YWCA Spokane is experiencing an unprecedented increase in calls to its crisis support services, highlighting the growing need for domestic violence resources in our community. The organization is projected to receive approximately 6,000 calls by the end of 2025, representing nearly 2,000 more calls than in 2024.

This dramatic surge in demand comes at a critical time when federal funding has already been reduced, and survivors of domestic violence still need immediate access to life-saving resources, emergency shelter, counseling services, and safety planning support. Each call represents a person in crisis reaching out for help, and YWCA Spokane is committed to answering every one.

"Immediate crisis response is essential to saving lives and helping survivors of domestic violence," said Jeanette Hauck, CEO at YWCA Spokane. "More survivors are finding the courage to reach out for help, which is encouraging, but it also means we need additional resources to ensure we can provide the critical support they deserve."

Community Support is Needed:

Each crisis call costs approximately $25 to staff and support with trained professionals. With 2,000 additional calls expected this year, YWCA Spokane faces a $50,000 funding need to maintain its current level of service and ensure every caller receives the support they deserve.

"With community support, we can cover all 2,000 additional calls and continue providing the life-saving services our neighbors depend on," added Hauck.

YWCA Spokane is asking members of the community to help by donating to cover helpline calls.

Ways to Support YWCA Spokane:

• Direct Donations - Contribute to the $50,000 goal to ensure all calls are answered

• Workplace Giving Campaigns - Organize fundraising efforts at your business or organization

• Become a YWCA Ambassador - Lead your own campaign to recruit friends and family to help cover crisis calls

Other Ways Take Action During Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and YWCA Spokane invites the community to take action through several meaningful opportunities:

Community Events:

StoryWalk Art Exhibit
Month Long | Snxw Meneɂ in Riverfront Park

This art installation highlights original poetry written by survivors alongside local works of art. Utilize the prompts provided at each of the 15 stations to spark meaningful conversations about healthy relationships with friends, coworkers, or family.

Educational Opportunities:

DV 101 and 201 Training Sessions
Learn about domestic violence dynamics and how to support survivors

For complete information about Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities and how to get involved, visit ywcaspokane.org/dvam.

About YWCA Spokane

Since 1903, YWCA Spokane has been helping members from the Spokane community overcome social, economic, and personal barriers in order to accomplish their goals and achieve healthier and more fulfilling lives. Today, our areas of focus include supporting victims of intimate partner domestic violence, building economic empowerment, promoting early childhood education, and confronting racial and social justice issues that negatively affect our clients and our community.

YWCA Spokane envisions a community in which domestic violence is no longer tolerated, and embraces this vision through a continuum of wrap-around services: 24-hour Helpline and Safe Shelter, Advocacy Support Center, Mental Health Services, Child & Family Therapy, Civil Legal Assistance, Legal Advocacy, Economic Empowerment, and free Drop-In Childcare.

In 2024, YWCA Spokane impacted the lives of over 14,000 individuals, children, and families. By working at the intersections of inequality, poverty, and domestic violence, we are able to disrupt longstanding societal patterns of trauma. Visit our website to learn more at ywcaspokane.org.