Whom do you call to report domestic violence?
Call 911 to report to Police. Call the Hope House Hotline to ask for assistance, shelter, at (816) 461-HOPE.

How are Hope House services accessed?
By calling the 24-hour crisis line, 816-461-HOPE. Victims may call that number. Family, friends, police, judges, or social services agencies refer some 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. While our primary service area is Eastern Jackson County, 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.

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 the crisis line number and your emotional support. Let them know they deserve better.

How many clients can be sheltered at once?
We have a 104 beds located at two confidential shelters located in Lee's Summit, MO and Independence, MO.

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 1,325 women and children in 2006.

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 daycare at our on-site early childhood 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?
Daycare and after school care is provided at our on-site early childcare centers. Children also receive counseling services and therapeutic activities.

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?
Administrative cost are 9.75% of our budget, fundraising 14.06%.

How many people do you employ?
The agency employs 54 full-time and 23 part-time employees. We have approximately 205 volunteers who assist them.

How can people donate items to Hope House?
Donations are accepted at either of our shelter locations, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please call (816) 461-4188 ext. 411 for more information.

How much does it cost to keep a woman at the shelter a day?
Approximately $30.

What are the priority funding needs of your organization?
Client services, counseling, food, day care, health care supplies, diapers, formula and baby food, learning supplies and education material.

Are there any other Hope House shelters in Missouri?
There are 39 state-certified domestic violence centers maintaining shelters throughout Missouri. Hope House only has shelters in Independence, MO and Lee's Summit, MO.