The Shade Tree, a 24-hour accessible shelter designed to specifically meet the needs of women and children in crisis, is expanding its services with the launch of a crisis hotline, 1-855-385-0072, available for calls and/or texts and staffed 24/7 by trained advocates and case managers. In addition, the shelter is adding non-residential support and services to its repertoire, expanding the number of clients it may serve. The launch is timed with national Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), an initiative throughout the month of October to raise awareness and connect advocates working to end violence against women and their children.
According to Linda Perez, CEO of The Shade Tree, the hotline is intended for those in the community fleeing dangerous situations or needing resources once they have fled. These situations include domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, sex trafficking, or stalking.
“We are glad to be able to offer expanded services to Southern Nevadans, especially during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, as we know the need in our community is great,” said Perez. “The addition of our crisis hotline is yet another resource available to those who need immediate assistance, and we encourage anyone who is in crisis to call or text. Our trained staff is available 24/7 to help.”
In addition to the hotline, The Shade Tree has launched new non-residential programs that were made possible through a grant utilizing CARES Act funding from Clark County. “Due to the protocols brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to limit the number of clients residing within the shelter. This new funding allows us to serve clients by housing them at a nearby, off-site location. Our hope is that we are able to eventually move our non-residential clients into the shelter, but that is dependent on virus guidelines.”
The Shade Tree’s non-residential services include housing and rental assistance, case management, basic needs such as clothing and toiletries, mental health service coordination and the same life skills and workforce training programs that are offered to in-shelter clients.
As part of DVAM, The Shade Tree will participate in and execute several events and initiatives throughout the month of October:
- Annual Domestic Violence Memorial Ceremony, Oct. 8 at 10 a.m. at Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters. Linda Perez will share her story as a domestic violence survivor.
- It Doesn’t Hurt to Say I Love You, ongoing. In honor of DVAM and the increasing incidences of interpersonal violence brought about by stay-at-home orders and other pandemic protocols, The Shade Tree is asking the public to help the growing number of women and children fleeing domestic crisis situations. The organization is seeking donations and offering “It Doesn’t Hurt to Say I Love You” merchandise through its online boutique.
- Purple Thursday, Oct. 22. Purple Thursday is a national day of action during DVAM for which everyone is encouraged to wear purple to raise awareness about domestic violence and to show solidarity with survivors and those who are working tirelessly to stem the tide of interpersonal violence through prevention, education and healing services. The Shade Tree is planning a vigil and walking ceremony. Details to follow.
