Victims of domestic violence face a near impossible choice: stay in an abusive relationship, or leave and risk being homeless.
“It’s true,” says King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “I am a survivor of domestic violence. I was afraid to stay, and afraid to leave.
For Lambert, the turning point came when she was left for dead.
“I knew I had to create a safety plan to escape for my children and me, and when the time was right, we left. It takes a tremendous amount of help and encouragement to leave and start over,” said Lambert, who represents District 3 on the council, which includes the cities of Issaquah and Sammamish.
To support that effort, Lambert will speak May 3 at the World of Hope Gala and Auction the primary fundraiser for LifeWire, which provides a lifeline for thousands of survivors trying to leave a violent relationship.
“The emergency services, safe shelter and housing support we provide has a profound impact on the families that can access them, but insufficient funding leaves far too many people without the resources they desperately need,” said Barbara Langdon, LifeWire executive director.
For every person who finds shelter in the agency’s emergency housing, 25 must keep calling back until space become available.
“When survivors and their children are unable to access safe and stable housing and advocacy services, their lives and the safety of our community is at risk,” Langdon said.
And, the ability to provide help is becoming more difficult. Last year LifeWire reported a 22 percent increase in the number of Eastside residents in need of direct services, Langdon said.
The event, which will be hosted by KOMO 4 News anchor Molly Shen, will include a wine and beer reception, silent auction, four-course gourmet dinner, entertainment, and dancing.
“The live auction action is incredibly fun and unforgettable,” said Jim and Barb Barnyak, auction honorary co-chairs. ” We will be encouraging high-energy bidding on fantastic travel destination packages, unique getaways, and other items not otherwise available for purchase.”
Included in the program will be the presentation of the Norm Maleng Award, honoring Stephen Norman, King County Housing Authority Executive Director, for his years of work to create systems change at King County Housing Authority, Building Changes and the King County Interagency Council on Homelessness.
Tickets are $150 per person. All of the funds raised will provide services for victims in need. To register, visit lifewire.maestroweb.com or contact Tiffany Solack at 425-562-8840, ext. 249 or tiffanyms@lifewire.org.
The event will begin at 5 p.m. at the Meydenbauer Center, 11100 N.E. Sixth St., Bellevue. Black Tie is optional. More information is available by contacting Kelly Becker, LifeWire development director, at 425-562-8840, ext. 253 or kellypb@lifewire.org.
