Peace House Updates: In Relation to COVID-19
Our team at Peace House has been working closely with multiple agencies including the Summit County Health Department, Utah Department of Human Services, the Utah State Domestic Violence Coalition and the National Network to End Domestic Violence to proactively reduce the impacts of COVID-19 in our community while supporting the safety of domestic violence victims and their families.
We have adopted updated practices and protocols that include the recommendations and mandates from the Centers for Disease Control and Summit County Health Department. Peace House services are essential to the safety and well-being of our community members and we continue to operate our domestic violence victim services.
Our domestic violence victim services are operating including our 24/7 HELPLINE, emergency shelter, legal advocacy services, case management and therapy. To promote social distancing, we are implementing flexible client care and using technology to support some services. We know how important it is to continue to provide these services for individuals and families, and we are working to reduce any barriers a victim may have to accessing support. In the past two weeks, many vulnerable families have faced additional stress and uncertainty, because of COVID-19 isolation measures, the earthquake, caring for children at home, and losing sources of income. There has been a significant increase in calls for help, counseling, and referrals.
Peace House is here for you: if you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking, please call our 24/7 HELPLINE at 1-800-647-9161. All services are free and confidential.
If you want to join us in supporting vulnerable families in crisis:
We have increased needs for supplies as families shelter in place, including cleaning supplies for sanitizing, activities for children, food, and other basic needs. Our website is updated regularly to reflect our current needs at https://peacehouse.org/give/donate-goods.
Peace House gratefully receives unrestricted financial donations during this volatile time, in support of increased and unexpected costs associated with operating our essential programs. Peace House is facing expenses related to providing flexible client care, for example a new telehealth platform, equipment and direct assistance in the form of phones and cell service. You can make a difference here: https://peacehouse.org/give/online-donation/
Out of concern for the safety and well-being of our clients, volunteers, staff, and community, Peace House has suspended certain activities at our community campus pending further notice.
Activities suspended include:
*meetings or group gatherings at the Peace House community campus
*onsite volunteer opportunities
*receiving in-kind donations in our lobby
*education presentations in our schools and community
*support group or parenting classes
We live in an amazing community. In the current moment of widespread fear and scarcity, self-preservation is a natural response, but this community has chosen generosity. Thank you for being good neighbors!