By Jillian Keller, Chief Operating Officer of Eddy House
Breaking the Cycle: Domestic Violence Awareness Month at Eddy House
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time for reflection, awareness, and action. At Eddy House, we serve young adults between the ages of 18 and 24, many of whom have faced unimaginable challenges, including domestic violence. Despite these hardships, I’m continually inspired by their resilience and progress. As the COO at Eddy House, I’ve had the privilege of seeing countless youth take meaningful steps toward overcoming their trauma and building brighter futures.
In 2023, 42% of our clients—215 out of 511—courageously shared that they are survivors of domestic violence. Their stories remind us of the strong link between abuse and homelessness; victimization is often both the reason youth leave home and a consequence of living without shelter. While their journeys have been marked by hardship, the path forward is filled with hope.
Here at Eddy House, we provide more than just a safe place to stay. Through our trauma-informed counseling services, our incredible case managers and clinical team work daily to help these young people reclaim their sense of safety, strength, and self-worth. I am deeply confident in our team’s dedication and the strides we are making in supporting survivors. For many youth, having someone who listens—whether it’s a counselor, a case manager, or simply myself—can be life-changing. Every story matters, and every step forward counts.
It’s heartening to know that 55% of our clients now feel safer since leaving home, and that’s just the beginning. Our work isn’t just about providing shelter—it’s about offering hope, healing, and the tools for a better tomorrow.
As we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we invite you to join us in supporting survivors. Together, we can help break the cycle of violence and homelessness, offering brighter futures to those who deserve safety and dignity.
We are also proud to partner with Safe Embrace, Awaken, Domestic Violence Resource Center, and Xquisite, incredible organizations doing great work to help victims of domestic violence in Northern Nevada. To learn more about their services, visit their websites.
If you want to learn more about Eddy House or how you can support our mission, please visit eddyhouse.org. Together, we can help empower our youth to heal, thrive, and step into their future with confidence.