Note: This segment includes mentions of domestic violence and sexual assault. Please take care.
Over half of survivors who received services from Idaho domestic violence programs in 2022 utilized emergency shelter, transitional housing, and other resources like transportation, according to the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence.
Faces of Hope is one of those programs. The nonprofit provides free resources for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child and elder abuse, and human trafficking. Along with a location in Meridian, the organization recently opened a new facility in downtown Boise.
How Faces of Hope Helps Victims
The organization is designed to provide wrap-around services to survivors at no cost, including classes and support groups, emergency assistance with transportation, grocery shopping, eyeglasses and phone replacements, and shelter. They also provide case management and legal resources.
One of the most popular programs is Hope’s Closet, which allows folks to “shop” selections of brand new clothing.
Services are available to individuals of all ages, as well as family units.
Connecting Victims with Law Students
Faces of Hope has been partnering with the University of Idaho’s College of Law for more than seven years for the Family Justice Clinic, a program that allows students to develop skills by providing free legal assistance to survivors of interpersonal violence.
Third-year law students at the university are temporarily licensed to handle all aspects of family law, including legal counsel, court proceedings, the processing of protection orders, and matters of divorce and child custody. Students are also able to work directly with medical professionals, victim advocates, and entities like the Special Victims Unit of the Boise Police Department and University of Idaho Justice Clinic.
How to Support
The no-cost services provided by Faces of Hope rely on donations and grants — one-time and monthly monetary donations can be made anytime through the website. New clothing donations can also be made to Hope’s Closet, along with gift cards to major retailers and through its Amazon Wishlist.
There are also volunteer opportunities for event staffing, administrative tasks, and client-facing work.
Listen to our conversation with Faces of Hope Executive Director Paige Dinger to hear more about Faces of Hope and why they chose a residential home for their new Boise location.
