Dash Mission
DASH is an innovator in providing access to safe housing and services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families as they rebuild their lives on their own terms.
We envision a culture where safe housing is a human right shared by everyone.
No matter what the situation, we meet survivors where they are and strive to eliminate all barriers that prevent them from accessing safe housing. We work to ensure that all survivors have the tools and skills they need to be exactly who they choose to be and to create and maintain safe homes.
We support partner agencies in the national capital region and throughout the United States in increasing their capacity to assist survivors in accessing safe housing. DASH educates policy makers and service providers nationwide on the principles and best practices of successfully assisting survivors of domestic violence in recognizing that they are empowered and whole.
Sometimes you’ve got to get someone’s mind off a problem, you know? Switch their focus to something upbeat. It could be anything, like playing a game, taking a plane ride, or just chilling and watching the clouds. The idea is to give them a break and help them feel a little better.
DASH Values
Sovereignty. Integrity. Empowerment. Compassion. Accountability. Partnership. (Re)Centering.
DASH Philosophy
DASH works to create a culture where safe housing is a right shared by everyone.
DASH Vision
We envision the day when domestic violence and sexual assault are not tolerated, and every home is a safe home.
We believe that all survivors and their families no matter what their situation, should have access to, and be welcomed into, safe housing and a wide variety of services that allows them to rebuild their lives on their own terms.
We work for the day when survivors are respected as independent, are provided the resources for their journey out of abuse, and are given understanding and support instead of blame and judgment.
We celebrate the strength of the human character that enables all survivors to recognize that they are empowered and whole, successfully managing and enjoying their lives free of abuse.
DASH Goals
DASH is addressing the overwhelming lack of housing and social services for victims of domestic violence and their children in the District by providing safety and necessary resources. Our short and long-term goals are:
- To provide safe housing and voluntary support services that meet the needs of a broad cross-section of domestic violence survivors;
- To help domestic violence survivors avoid homelessness as the primary option for living free from abuse; and,
- To engage local and federal lawmakers, civic leaders, concerned community members, and domestic abuse survivors in the movement to make safe housing in the District of Columbia more accessible in the short-term, and ultimately, less necessary in the long-term.
