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Providence support helps Kodiak Women’s Resource and Crisis Center create a safer community

Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Susan, of Kodiak, has found the help she needs from the Kodiak Women's Resource and Crisis Center following significant challenges in her life.

When Susan lost her mother in 2023, she not only was grieving her sudden passing, but also the security they shared living together, three generations under one roof. 

Susan was suddenly responsible for all living expenses and had to figure out how to work without childcare available for her young daughter. It wasn’t long before Susan found herself homeless. 

“We literally had nowhere to go; me and my kid slept in our truck,” said Susan, who is using a different name to protect her privacy. “All the bills piled up, and we lost everything.”   

That’s where the Kodiak Women’s Resource and Crisis Center stepped in. Susan, a prior survivor of domestic violence, has been recovering from its effects ever since. When she approached the Crisis Center, they welcomed her. It is Kodiak’s only shelter available to people of any gender who are victims and survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence. It houses up to 25 individuals, including those with children.  

Over the years, the Crisis Center has increased its services to include confidential advocacy, legal advocacy, support groups, community education and outreach, and referrals to resources such as healthcare, housing, counseling, a free thrift store with clothing and basic household supplies, and more. They operate a 24-hour crisis line for individuals who need confidential anonymous support. The center recently added a forensic exam room for victims of assault.  

In 2024, Providence Alaska provided $28,000 in unrestricted funding to help the Crisis Center do its work. This helped KWRCC serve 55 in-house clients and 446 total individuals including non-residential clients; and it served 735 additional contacts with education, outreach, crisis-line assistance and more. 

Once KWRCC provided Susan a place to live, she was able to get her daughter enrolled back into school. She was able to get assistance in disposing of and replacing her broken-down car. She received counseling and support to help her save for a brighter future.  

The folks at the shelter hosted a birthday party for her daughter – the first time the child had received birthday gifts in ages. 

 

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