Who should I call to report domestic violence?

Call 911 to report to the police. Call the 24-hour Hope House Hotline to ask for assistance or shelter at 816.461.HOPE (4673) (a local call from the Kansas City metro area).

How do I access Hope House services?

By calling the 24-hour crisis hotline, 816.461.HOPE (4673). Family, friends, police, judges, or social services agencies also refer people to us.

Are services provided only to Jackson County residents?

No, we will provide assistance to anyone who calls. Hope House is a member of the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, a group of 38 domestic violence centers located throughout the state of Missouri. While our primary service area is Eastern Jackson County in the Kansas City metro area, Hope House does not deny services based on geographic location. If possible we can refer a client to more convenient services anywhere in the United States.

Are men eligible for client services?

Yes, we provide counseling for male victims. We also have an arrangement with area hotels to provide shelter for male victims for a limited time. Our shelters are for women and children only.

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What is the profile of a victim of domestic violence?

There is no single profile. Victims come from all walks of life, all incomes, races, religions, and economic levels.

Why do women stay in abusive relationships?

The #1 reason is fear. Many have no knowledge of available help; some fear losing their children; some fear being alone; some are without economic income and feel they have no skills to be employable; most have very low self-esteem. If you know someone in this situation, please do not ask them why they stay. Offer them our hotline number and your emotional support. Let them know they deserve better.

How many clients can be sheltered at once?

We have a 122 beds located at two confidential shelters located in Lee's Summit and Independence, Missouri.

Is your shelter usually full?

 
Most of the time. People come and go daily, so if we don't have room we will work with the person to find another shelter. Hope House sheltered over 1,200 women and children in our fiscal year 2011 (10/1/10 through 9/30/11).

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What is the length of time a client can stay at the shelter?

 
Women may stay as long as they need if they meet certain criteria and are making progress on their individually established goals.

Do you offer services for children staying in shelter with their mothers?

 
Yes. Besides activites at our on-site Family Care Center, we offer therapy for children that focuses on healing and rebuilding a sense of trust and safety.

If the shelter is full, how does Hope House help women?

 
As part of the Metropolitan Family Violence Coalition, Hope House collaborates with other domestic violence shelters in Kansas City to find safe shelter when all our beds are full.

Where are the children while their mothers are getting services?

 
While mothers receive services children can be in school, in their own individual counseling services, participating in activities with the Children’s Advocate, or in group care while mom is in attending her own group session.

 

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Is there a fee for women to stay at the shelter?

 
There is no fee to stay at the shelter.

How is Hope House funded?

 
Grants, United Way, general contributions by businesses, service organizations, churches and individuals, events, foundations, cities, and non-cash contributions.

What are your administrative/fundraising costs?

 
In Fiscal Year 2011 (10/1/10 - 9/30/11) administrative cost was 9.1% of our budget; fundraising was 11.2%. Because we are not a part of a national organization, all of our funding stays local.

How many people do you employ?

 
The agency employs 51 full-time, 14 part-time and 14 on-call employees. We have approximately 302 volunteers who assist them.

How can people donate items to Hope House?

 
Donations are accepted at either of our shelter locations, Monday through Friday, 9AM to 5PM. Please call 816.461.4188, ext. 0 for driving directions (we don't list our street address online or via email for safety reasons). Whenever we have an urgent need (such as paper towels or toilet paper), we email our Urgent Needs Network and ask for their help. If you’d like to become a member of the Network, please email info@hopehouse.net.

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How much does it cost to keep a woman at the shelter a day?

 
Approximately $30.
 

Are there any other Hope House shelters in Missouri?

 
There are 57 domestic violence centers maintaining shelters throughout Missouri. While Hope House only has shelters in Independence and Lee's Summit, Missouri, we are the largest domestic violence shelter in the state.

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