We are thrilled to announce that Raphael House has been selected as one of Yield Giving’s 361 Open Call grantees, receiving a $2 million award from MacKenzie Scott’s philanthropic organization.
“We are deeply honored to receive this acknowledgement from Mackenzie Scott and Yield Giving for our work alongside survivors of domestic violence! This support comes at such a critical time, when need for our services is greater than ever.”
Emmy Ritter, lcsw | executive director
Who do we serve?
Raphael House proudly serves anyone impacted by domestic violence regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, disability, immigration status, primary language, or sexuality.
Multigenerational families with kids (and adults) of all ages are supported, and we welcome pets!
At Raphael House, we have been dedicated to supporting families fleeing domestic violence since 1977. This generous grant is a testament to nearly five decades of commitment to survivors and our mission of creating a future without abuse.
Our Executive Director Emmy Ritter expressed her gratitude saying, “We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from MacKenzie Scott and Yield Giving! We’re guided by survivors in all that we do here, and these funds will help to further our mission and meet the growing needs of our community.”
Just prior to receiving the award notification, Raphael House embarked on developing our next 5-year strategic plan. Now, through this process, we’re excited to bring together the expertise of our program participants, staff, board, and community to determine how best to use these funds so they have the greatest impact.
While celebrating this incredible news, and always grounded in our hope for a future without domestic violence, we remain focused on how to enhance our supports for survivors across the community. “Programming like ours has been historically underfunded, and it’s going to take unprecedented levels of investment in domestic and sexual violence agencies for us to catch up with need,” shared Ritter. “This grant is a phenomenal step, as we work toward sustainability and ultimately reaching more survivors.”
Raphael House is calling on donors and partners to join Yield Giving in investing in life-saving support for survivors. Together, we can create a community where everyone is safe at home and in their relationships!
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Yield Giving’s Open Call attracted over 6,300 applications from across the country and only those organizations top-rated by their peers advanced, undergoing review by an external Evaluation Panel and a final round of due diligence. Raphael House is honored to have been selected through this rigorous process, and to be among the very highest-scoring agencies nationwide to ultimately receive double the original award amount. Learn more about the process and all grantees here.
This grant stands as the largest single donation in Raphael House’s history, and will support our vital work helping families escaping domestic violence achieve the lasting safety and stability they deserve, while also preventing future abuse through high school-based education.
Banner photo: HereTogether/Christine Dong
OUR WORK AT RAPHAEL HOUSE
Raphael House of Portland helps families end the cycle of domestic violence and rebuild their lives, while simultaneously working upstream to prevent future abuse through education. Each year their gender-inclusive, culturally-responsive programs serve over 4,900 survivors and community members. Operating uninterrupted since 1977, Raphael House’s emergency services—including confidential shelter and 24-hour hotline—meet the urgent need for safety for adults, children, and their pets in imminent danger after fleeing abuse.
Meanwhile, ongoing supportive services—focused on safe housing, economic empowerment, addiction recovery, and holistic wellness—are a resource for families long-term. Raphael House couples these with Prevention Education programming in all 9 Portland Public High Schools, building a culture of consent by teaching youth about equitable relationships, while also providing teens with confidential support. Key to their effectiveness is that Raphael House is a survivor-led agency; among a staff of over 50 people, 75% identify as survivors, including four team members who are former program participants.
