October 2026—October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about domestic violence and the resources available to individuals and families experiencing abuse.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this past year showed that more than 1 in 3 women and more than 1 in 6 men experienced some form of intimate partner violence in the United States.
For individuals experiencing domestic violence, finding a safe place to live can be a critical part of establishing safety and stability. A safe and affordable home provides more than shelter. It can provide stability, security, and a foundation from which individuals and families can begin rebuilding their lives.
When a home becomes an unsafe environment, survivors may face difficult housing decisions. Many times, domestic violence victims will result in living in their cars or become homeless if they are unable to find accessible and affordable housing. According to Connections for Abused Women and their Children, a shortage of affordable housing is a key contributing factor to homelessness among survivors of domestic violence.
Connecting Survivors to Housing and Resources
The Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) recognizes that addressing housing needs requires collaboration among housing providers, community organizations, and agencies that specialize in supporting survivors of domestic violence.
Through its work with housing partners and the Louisiana Balance of State Continuum of Care (LA BOSCOC), LHC supports efforts to connect individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness with housing and supportive services.
LA BOSCOC's Coordinated Entry System provides access points where individuals can be assessed and connected with available housing resources and services. The system specifically includes individuals who are fleeing domestic violence among those who can seek assistance.
LHC serves as the collaborative applicant and lead agency for LA BOSCOC, which is a self-governing coalition dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness across its geographic area.
Housing is also only one part of the support a survivor may need. Individuals experiencing domestic violence may need access to safety planning, counseling, legal assistance, medical care, emergency shelter, and other supportive services.
LHC works with organizations across Louisiana that specialize in providing these services. One such partner is the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (LCADV), the state's federally designated coalition of domestic violence shelters, non-residential programs, and individuals working to end domestic violence in Louisiana. LCADV supports programs across the state through advocacy, education, resource development, and technical assistance.
“At these domestic violence programs, which are our members, you can receive emergency shelter, advocacy, safety planning, legal assistance, sometimes you can receive child advocacy, support groups, as well as 24-hour access to crisis hotlines,” explains LCADV Executive Director Mariah Wineski.
Local Partnerships Make a Difference
Across Louisiana, local organizations provide critical services to survivors and their families.
One example is Wellspring Alliance for Families. The organization is a multi-program nonprofit under LCADV’s network that serves 12 parishes in Northeast Louisiana. One of its services provides aid to individuals and families affected by domestic violence. Through its domestic violence services, Wellspring Alliance provides shelter and connects survivors with resources and support as they work toward safety and stability.
In 2025, Wellspring Alliance served over 1600 survivors of domestic violence. They sheltered 152 women and men, and 112 children.
“If a person leaves their abuser and doesn't have the resources to secure housing for themselves, they can find themselves on the street,” says Wellspring Alliance President and CEO Carline Cascio. “So, we are able to work with them to house them when they're fleeing domestic violence and really help them create a pathway toward self-sufficiency.”
Wellspring Spring Alliance is a recipient of LHC’s Emergency Solutions Grant program, where they utilize the funds to operate a general shelter for those who are homeless or those who are at risk of becoming homeless.
Partnerships between housing organizations and domestic violence service providers help ensure that survivors are protected, not only to a place to live, but also connected to the services and support necessary to move forward.
Resources for Survivors
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and needs help finding safety, shelter, or other resources, help is available.
Louisiana Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline
1-888-411-1333
Free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The hotline connects callers with domestic violence service providers in their area.
Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence
(225) 752-1296
LCADV provides statewide resources and can help connect individuals with local domestic violence programs.
Wellspring Alliance for Families — Domestic Violence Services
(318) 323-1543
Wellspring provides domestic violence services in Northeast Louisiana. Its service area includes Caldwell, Catahoula, Concordia, East Carroll, Franklin, LaSalle, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, and West Carroll parishes.
Individuals experiencing homelessness or fleeing domestic violence may also access Louisiana's Coordinated Entry System to connect with local housing and supportive services. Individuals can find their local access point through the LA BOSCOC Housing and Services webpage.
Affordable Housing Across Louisiana
Expanding access to safe, stable, and affordable housing remains an important part of addressing housing instability across Louisiana. LHC works with developers, housing organizations, local governments and community partners to support the development and preservation of affordable housing throughout the state.
Recent LHC-supported affordable housing developments include:
Through continued partnerships and investment in affordable housing, LHC remains committed to helping create opportunities for Louisiana residents to access safe, affordable, and stable homes.
During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, LHC encourages Louisianans to learn about the warning signs of domestic violence, share available resources, and support organizations working to help survivors find safety and stability.
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