Who we help
Stories of HOPE – who we serve
Annie was almost homeless
Annie is a 31 year-old mother of three young children, ages 5, 4, and 3. She lives in Cannon Falls and, up until four months ago, has always been stable and able to pay her bills on time.
Amy is Thankful for Safety – Give to the Max Day 2011
Amy, 32, has been working with Staci (HOPE Coalition Outreach and Legal Advocate) for the past few months on obtaining an Order for Protection and creating a safety plan for herself and her family…
From fear to confidence – Bernice’s Story
Bernice and her two daughters are enrolled in our Adopt-A-Family program for the Holiday Project this year…
This story is an excerpt from “Why Doesn’t She Just Leave?” compiled and edited by Heather Stark, MPA and Emiliee Watturs, MPA. This book is an excellent resource for those looking to understand why women (or men) stay in violent relationships, and is available for purchase from Amazon.com…
Tonya, once scared and alone, would like to thank you.
Tonya, 26, married Jason after becoming pregnant. Jason is an abusive alcoholic, who verbally, physically, and sexually abused Tonya beginning the month after Olivia was born…
Adam’s Journey – a story of hope
Nine years ago, we met Adam through his long-time partner, Jill. Jill had called the crisis line in search of a safe place to stay—a place to keep their three children safe…
The following poem was written by Issac, a homeless youth who is now in custody at the Goodhue County Adult Detention Center…
Kim and her 12-year-old son, Eric, came to the Haven of Hope shelter after experiencing both physical and emotional abuse at the hands of Eric’s father. They arrived at the Haven tired, broken and completely exhausted…
Gina didn’t realize it was abuse.
In November, 2010, a young mom named Gina came into HOPE’s offices for help. Her husband had just been arrested and, although she had a job, her paycheck alone was not paying all the bills…
Six months ago, a 35 year-old woman named Sara called Haven of Hope’s crisis line looking for help. Four months earlier, Sara’s boyfriend had convinced her to relocate with him from New Jersey to outer Goodhue County…
Aiden was afraid to call 9-1-1.
Aiden is eight years old. He has two sisters; one older, and one younger. He has lived in eight apartments and in two different domestic violence shelters…
My name is Maria, and I am homeless.
In October, Maria walked over two miles with her three children in a stroller to get to find help..
Jennifer thought suicide was her only way out.
Jennifer began dating Jim when they were in the 5th grade. What began as holding hands and passing notes back and forth developed into a serious relationship by their senior year. Over the years Jim became possessive and quick to anger…
Daniel’s home was his sleeping bag.
In June, a 31 year-old man named Daniel wandered into the Friendship House looking for help. Originally from Wisconsin, Daniel had been homeless for the past nine years…
