2 South Suburban Domestic Violence Agencies Team Up On Hotline

HOMEWOOD, IL — A new hotline powered by two local domestic abuse agencies aims to increase access for families and spouses experiencing violence in their homes.

Anew: Building Beyond Violence and Abuse teamed up with the Crisis Center for South Suburbia on Jan. 5 to merge both agencies' 24-hour hotlines. Through the partnership, officials told Patch residents seeking shelter will be put in contact with both short-term housing and longer-term aid by pooling resources from both agencies.

The hotline serves as a way for woman and children in crisis to access counseling, safety planning and support in addition to emergency housing assistance.

The hotline is not the first time both south suburban agencies have worked together, officials said. In 2019, Anew and the Crisis Center collaborated on Rapid Rehousing, a project that gives rental assistance and legal aid to survivors of domestic abuse.

"Our leadership teams are constantly exploring how we can use our combined expertise and resources to better serve families impacted by domestic violence in the region," said Jennifer Gabrenya, executive director of Anew. "We are thrilled to come together in this way and are confident survivors will benefit from this increased access."

Residents can access the hotline by dialing 708-429-7233.