Forty-five years ago, a group of Arlington community members came together to solve a critical problem: when a neighbor was in crisis, they had no place to go. Together, they created Arlington’s first safehousing solution.

The Arlington Community Temporary Shelter (TACTS), as it was called, was and remains Arlington’s only domestic violence safehouse. What began as TACTS—one shelter, a single response—is now Doorways, an entire spectrum of trauma-informed programs, including community-based support, shelters, supportive housing and client services. Most recently, Doorways launched a youth-centered primary prevention program to promote a culture of safe and healthy relationships.

Doorways serves clients of all genders and ages, including adult survivors and their children, as well as teen survivors of dating violence and sexual assault. They provide Arlington’s only 24-hour hotline (703-237-0881), hospital accompaniment for forensic exams, mobile and court advocacy, individual and group counseling, and outreach and education. 

Last year, Doorways answered more than 1,000 crisis calls. Court advocates assisted nearly 300 adults and children. Therapists counseled nearly 200 adult survivors, teens and kids. Doorways provided safehousing for a record high of 107 survivors and their children, operating over capacity for the third year in a row.

This year, Doorways is on track to more than double the number of survivors it will shelter compared to last year. As Doorways marks its 45th anniversary, expanding safehousing is a top priority. To support their growing number of clients, Doorways continues to rely on this community coming together for a common purpose: safe harbor, healing and hope for all who need it.

Doorways is an entire spectrum of trauma-informed programs, including community-based support, shelters, supportive housing and client services.