“Because of Doorways, my family and I are now in a safe place.”
Read their story on page 11
FISCAL YEAR 2025 ANNUAL REPORT
ARLINGTON’S RESPONSE TO DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE
Doorways offers a wide range of trauma-informed crisis response services and comprehensive shelter and housing programs designed to meet survivors’ complex needs. Our streamlined response enables survivors to access all of our supports easily, no matter which of our programs they initially contact.
Out in our community, we cultivate a culture of safety and respect to help prevent violence, while working to ensure that survivors in need of our services are able to access support. We are active leaders in collaborative efforts including Arlington’s Continuum of Care (CoC) and Project PEACE. Together with our neighbors, we create pathways to brighter futures.
Join us today! Visit www.doorwaysva.org to learn about ways to donate, volunteer, host an educational workshop, and more opportunities to help make our mission possible.
“Doorways has helped me so much that it’s too much to mention. My biggest achievement with Doorways is my apartment that they helped me get. I feel very safe and comfortable here. Thank you, Doorways.”
FROM DOORWAYS’ PRESIDENT & CEO
Dear friends,
This year, thanks to your generosity and support, I am happy to share that our renovated shelter, our new Safehouse, officially reopened! The new Safehouse has double the capacity of our old one for survivors as well as their pets. More than just a new space, it has become a beacon of hope.
In 2025, we opened our doors to more survivors than ever before, sheltering a record-breaking number of 150 individuals out of harm’s way. That is more than double the number we sheltered just five years ago.
The reality is, however, that even with this great milestone, the need continues to grow. This past year, our 24/7 hotline received nearly 1,500 calls from survivors seeking support, shelter, and a lifeline away from violence. Our shelter fills quickly, and when that happens, we do not turn survivors away or add them to a waitlist. We know that an urgent call needs an immediate answer. If we don’t have open beds, we make it work by placing survivors and their families in hotels. We know that our “yes” can mean the difference between despair and hope, between life and death.
Every time our door opens, it means a survivor or family is kept safe with dignity; a life is changed; a story is rewritten, with new chapters filled with hope. We are deeply grateful to you, our partners, whose generosity powers Doorways’ work.
We need your help to sustain our lifesaving shelter and services as more people need them each year. Every survivor deserves to get the best care and services. Your investment in Doorways ensures that we can continue to provide safe harbor, healing, and hope to all survivors who need us.
With appreciation, Diana Ortiz, M.Ed. LPC, President and CEO
PS: Scan to visit our website!
“Doorways has changed my life. They’ve taught me that I can be independent again. I can have goals and achieve them. I have had a lot of support, and above all, I feel confident that I can try again.”
OUR APPROACH
Doorways’ response to domestic and sexual violence spans a spectrum from preventing violence, to supporting survivors throughout our community, to providing safehousing (emergency shelter) and supportive housing for survivors experiencing homelessness due to violence.
THE DOORWAYS MODEL
The Concentric Circles Model demonstrates the scope of Doorways’ daily work. The outer circles represent the greatest number of people impacted, and the inner circles represent the greatest depth of services and support provided, in Doorways’ shelter and housing.
2025 AT A GLANCE
“The Safehouse provided a sense of security AND a community. The people in the house were kind, and it was wonderful to have a supportive environment. The people working at the house were welcoming and knowledgeable. Thank you so much.”
SHELTER AND HOUSING
Doorways provides Arlington’s only emergency shelter, called safehousing, for survivors experiencing homelessness due to the imminent danger of domestic and sexual violence. After shelter, HomeStart, Doorways’ supportive housing program, assists clients as they transition from shelter into to a home of their own.
Safehousing provided emergency shelter for 150 people (80 adults and 70 children) in 79 households, a record high throughout Doorways’ history. 90% of households who disclosed their next destination did not return to an abusive living situation after leaving shelter.
HomeStart supported 149 people (69 adults and 80 children) in 58 households. When exiting from HomeStart, 80% of households maintained their housing. 89% demonstrated good tenancy practices and paid their rent on time.
Children’s Services provided 2,390 ses and their parents in our shelter and hou than double compared to 2024. 41 paren childcare subsidy options and locating a
NEED FOR SAFEHOUSING AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH IN ARLINGTON
Doorways is sheltering more survivors than ever before. The 150 survivors who we sheltered in 2025 are more than double the total number of people we sheltered just five years ago. At times, the headcount of survivors in our safehousing has surpassed 40 individuals across our shelter, scattered sites, and hotel placements an occupancy rate of 160%+ relative to our capacity. Meanwhile, our hotline continues to receive new requests for shelter, reflecting persistent, urgent need in our community.
Total Survivors Sheltered in Doorways’ Safehousing per Year
150 survivors sheltered in 2025
More than double the total survivors sheltered in 2020
80 adults
70 children
CHILDREN AT DOORWAYS
Children are a significant part of those served by Doorways. Typically, about half of the people in Doorways’ shelter and housing programs are kids. Our community-based services also support kids and teens.
Dedicated support is critical to children’s healing after abuse and homelessness, as well as their overall development. Doorways’ children’s services include counseling, developmental assessments, health and wellness care, and school and out-of-school time support. Our team also helps kids and their parents access additional resources throughout the community.
“Both my kids meet with [a Revive therapist], and they love her.”
“I think Doorways is the place that saved my life; it is a before and after. Thank you so much!”
meet clients immediate and longer-term needs for safety and healing.
24-Hour Hotline answered 1,447 crisis calls, including 1,063 where Doorways advocates provided crisis and supportive counseling for adults and children experiencing domestic and/or sexual violence.
Hospital Accompaniment Response Program (HARP) volunteers and staff provided 56 accompaniments for forensic exams for sexual and/or domestic violence.
Court Advocates assisted 329 people (170 adults and 159 children) in 162 households with services to obtain legal protective orders, child support, custody petitions, and other court judgements.
SRevive Counseling Program provided supportive counseling and safety planning for 240 people (181 adults, 23 youth ages 18-24, and 36 children), including 2,519 individual counseling sessions.
Doorways’ winter core training cohort gathers in our Community Services Center for their first day of training.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Doorways educates our community about domestic violence, sexual assault, and homelessness, ways to prevent violence, and our response to these issues – including how to get help and give help.
Volunteers participated in 684 hours of trauma-informed training provided by Doorways about domestic violence, sexual assault, homelessness, and service delivery.
Volunteers served 11,396 hours across all programs. Based on the Current Estimated Value of Each Volunteer Hour (Independent Sector), Doorways’ team of 100+ volunteers provided over $396k of meaningful service.
PREVENTION AND OUTREACH
The Prevention and Outreach team facilitated 163 community workshops and events, educating 4,041 i di id l h l h h
“Because of Doorways, my family and I are now in a safe place.”
MELANY’S STORY
Melany called our hotline late one night. She had called us for support before, but this time was different: she was ready to leave and needed somewhere safe to go. Our shelter was full, so we immediately secured a room with one of our hotel partners. Our team met Melany, her 5-year-old twins, Sam and Max, and their little dog, Cookie, there.
That room became the family’s temporary refuge: a safe place where the twins could sleep, with Cookie curled up at their feet. Melany felt like she could finally breathe.
A few nights later, our staff helped the family move into our Safehouse. Sam and Max found joy in the playroom, while Melany cooked their favorite: spaghetti and meatballs. After dinner, they took a walk together around the neighborhood with Cookie. That night, they read a new book for bedtime in their own room.
Weeks later, the twins started at a new school, a fresh beginning for this family. Sam got an all pink and sparkles Barbie backpack; Max got a Pokémon one with his favorite characters. They were skipping on their way to the bus stop. Moments like this are possible because of you.
“I am so grateful for Doorways,” Melany said. “They have been there for me at my lowest and have celebrated my accomplishments – even the small ones. They’ve helped my kids and I so much. If it wasn’t for Doorways, I don’t know where or what I’d be doing right now.”
“Months ago, I wasn’t sure if I would make it out of my domestic violence situation alive, but because of Doorways, my family and I are now in a safe place. ”
In just the last three months, we’ve answered 500 calls like Melany’s. The need for emergency shelter for survivors is the highest it’s ever been. Survivors need our lifeline; Doorways needs you. Your support saves lives.
As more survivors reach out for help, we’re calling on you to ensure that no one has to wait. With your support, we will continue to be there for every survivor, every time. Thank you for everything you make possible when you donate to Doorways!
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Every year, Doorways relies on investments from local, state, and federal government agencies, community partners, businesses, and generous private donors individuals, corporations, and foundations to raise the millions of dollars required to prevent violence, support survivors, and build brighter futures for thousands of our neighbors. Supporters like you enable Doorways to meet each person where they are and empower them on their unique journey to success. Thank you for giving the gifts of safe harbor, healing, and hope.
Doorways’ donors give to make a profound difference in the lives of those in need. We are deeply grateful for your trust and confidence, and we are proud of our reputation as responsible stewards of these contributions. In the coming year, our commitment to continue delivering our mission with sustainability, efficiency, and innovation remains strong. We will continue to safeguard financial resources through strong internal controls and transparent practices and maintain rigorous budgetary oversight and governance reviews. Our focus remains unshakable on creating lasting safety and stability for our neighbors. To learn more, please view Doorways’ complete audited financial statements on our website at www.doorwaysva.org/publications.
2025 FINANCIAL INFORMATION
To see our complete audited financial statements, please visit www.doorwaysva.org/publications.
SUPPORT AND REVENUE
Government Grants and Contracts
Contributions
Private Grants
Event Revenue
Investment Income (Loss), Net
In-Kind Contributions
Other Revenue
$
Total Revenue 2,893,126 1,887,873 617,500 398,902 311,020 238,371 3,176 6,349,968
EXPENSES
PROGRAM SERVICES:
Domestic and Sexual Violence
HomeStart
Counseling
Prevention
Community Education
Total Program Services
SUPPORTING SERVICES:
Management and General Fundraising
Total Supporting Services
Total Expenses
2,701,969 1,552,979 885,763 248,840 86,632 5,476,183
________________
Change in Net Assets 1,014,669 678,800 1,693,469 7,169,652 (819,684) $
Questions or concerns about your relationship? Call Doorways’ 24-hour hotline at 703-237-0881 to talk with an advocate. All languages available. P.O. Box 100185, Arlington, VA 22210 • 703-504-9400 • www.doorwaysva.org
PRIVACY NOTICE
“I was able to move out and into my own housing! I continue to be so grateful to Doorways for all the care, support, and guidance.”
We care about everyone in our Doorways community and value the privacy of all of our clients, donors, and volunteers equally.
To protect client safety and confidentiality, client names and identifying information are changed. Images used are stock photos of models, for illustrative purposes only.
Due to the increased use of technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) to mine for and share information, we are not including a list of our supporters‘ or volunteers’ names in this report.