The Power of Love: Raising Willy Nilly and Flexible Funds for a Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking

In the heart of our faith lies a profound call to serve those in need, embodying the love of Christ in action. As members of the Episcopal Church, we are guided by Scripture to respond to injustice and provide refuge for the vulnerable.

This blog explores why raising willy nilly flexible funds for a Fearless!, an amazing organization dedicated to victims of domestic violence and human trafficking is not only a compassionate initiative but also a powerful ministry rooted in our Christian values.

Biblical Foundations of Service and Compassion

Throughout the Bible, we see countless examples of God’s unwavering concern for the marginalized and oppressed.

In Isaiah 1:17, we are urged to “learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, and plead the widow’s cause.” This call to action resonates deeply within our mission as a church. By raising funds for a shelter, we are directly answering God’s command to care for those who are suffering and in need of protection.

Moreover, in Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus reminds us that our treatment of the least among us is a reflection of our service to Him: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” This passage underscores the importance of providing safe spaces for those who are fleeing violence and exploitation, making it clear that our ministry must include tangible support for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking.

The Need for Willy Nilly Flexible Funding

Creating financial empowerment for victims is so powerful.  They say it takes 7-12 times to leave an abusive situation- through flexible funds- we can dramatically reduce those numbers.

Flexible funds allow victims to self-determine what is needed for them to be able to survive the very dangerous act of removing themselves from these abusive relationships.

These funds can be used for various essential services, including:

Basic Needs:
For example: Food, Shelter, Medication, Clothes, Diapers, Hygiene and/or Supplies.

Travel Needs:
Often, safety comes with distance.  It takes money to make distance.  They will need food, travel funds, money to establish a new home, child needs…etc.

Emergency Housing:
Providing immediate shelter for those fleeing dangerous situations.  This would include hotel bed nights when the shelter is full or when they are traveling to safety.

Counseling Services:
Offering mental health support to help victims heal from trauma.  While “free” counseling is available, it is often on a waiting list.   The sooner one can receive this type of help, the sooner they can heal!

Trauma Informed Fitness:  
While talk therapy is amazing, when it is paired with trauma informed yoga or weight lifting, research illustrates that victims can reach a path to healing more easily.

Legal Aid:
Assisting individuals in navigating the legal system to secure protection and justice.

Job Training and Education: Empowering survivors to regain their independence and build a sustainable future.

By raising flexible funds:
We ensure that victims can access evolving needs that addresses both immediate safety and long-term recovery.

Building a Community of Support:
The Episcopal Church has always been a community of love and support, and this ministry is an opportunity to strengthen that bond.

In Galatians 6:2, we are called to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

By coming together to raise funds for the shelter, we demonstrate our commitment to lifting up those who are suffering.

Engaging our congregation and the wider community in this initiative can take many forms—fundraising events, awareness campaigns, and volunteer opportunities.

Each effort not only raises crucial funds but also educates others about the realities of domestic violence and human trafficking, fostering a culture of empathy and action.

A Holistic Approach to Healing:
Our ministry does not end with providing shelter; it extends into a holistic approach to healing. The church can play a pivotal role in offering spiritual support to survivors, helping them reconnect with their faith and find hope in the midst of despair. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, we are reminded that God comforts us in our troubles, so that we can comfort others. Through prayer, pastoral care, and community support, we can help survivors experience the love and grace of God as they navigate their healing journey.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As we embark on this important ministry to raise flexible funds for a shelter for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, let us remember the words of Micah 6:8: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Together, we can be a powerful force for good in our community, providing sanctuary for those in need and embodying the love of Christ.

Let us unite in this mission, knowing that every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant impact in the lives of those who have suffered. Your support can help us create a shelter where healing begins, hope is restored, and lives are transformed.

Join us in this vital ministry, and let us be the hands and feet of Christ in our world today.

-Myra Strand