ARCH

ARCH recognizes that April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and stands in support of survivors across our rural communities.

Sexual violence remains a significant driver of homelessness, particularly for women, youth, and survivors of domestic violence. Too often, individuals are forced to choose between unsafe living situations and having no housing at all. This is a systemic failure that demands a coordinated response.

ARCH maintains that safety must be treated as a foundational component of housing. Through our coordinated entry system, survivors are prioritized and connected to confidential, trauma-informed housing and supportive services. This includes intentional efforts to reduce barriers, protect client choice, and ensure dignity throughout the process.

This month serves as a critical reminder that awareness alone is insufficient. Rural communities must strengthen safe referral pathways, expand survivor-centered housing options, and align policies that actively protect those impacted by violence.
Survivors deserve access to stable, permanent housing without conditions that compromise their safety. Housing is not separate from safety; it is central to it.