Walker County-based SAAFE House aims to raise $15,000 for domestic violence and sexual assault survivor services.
SAAFE House, a vital resource in Walker County, TX, is hosting its first-ever Jail N’ Bail fundraiser on Friday, October 18, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Café Texan in Huntsville. The event, aimed at raising $15,000, will support services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, covering expenses not included in state and federal grants.
This October marks a milestone for SAAFE House as they celebrate 40 years of service, impacting tens of thousands of individuals and families across Walker, San Jacinto, Trinity, and Polk counties. For four decades, SAAFE House has been dedicated to empowering survivors to reclaim their lives, fostering hope, and inspiring new beginnings.
“We provided free crisis intervention to over 551 survivors last year, more than 205 of whom were children,” said Tammy Farkas, Community Relations Director at SAAFE House. The organization offers comprehensive support to survivors of abuse, regardless of age, gender, or background.
During the Jail N’ Bail event, local community members will be “arrested” for advocating for domestic violence victims and will raise funds to “bail” themselves out. Each participant will reach out to friends, family, and colleagues to ask for donations, with all proceeds benefiting SAAFE House’s programs.
In addition to individual contributions, businesses and organizations have the opportunity to support the event through sponsorships. “We have an overall event sponsor, hourly sponsorships, a morning sponsor, and an afternoon sponsor,” Farkas noted. These sponsorships will help cover costs associated with putting on the event, including food for the “arrested” participants and other necessary expenses. Tammy emphasizes the importance of contacting her by Thursday, October 10, to secure a sponsorship.
“With the increase in the cost of living and expenses, particularly when housing around 22 people in our shelter, we need the support to continue providing services like groceries, utilities, and assistance in obtaining documents like birth certificates and driver’s licenses,” Farkas explained. SAAFE House’s goal is to help survivors rebuild lives free from violence, offering not just emergency shelter but also crisis intervention, legal advocacy, counseling, and other crucial support services.
SAAFE House began as the Walker County Family Violence Council in 1984 and has since expanded its mission and outreach. Today, they provide emergency shelters, outreach, and community education, remaining a beacon of hope for those who need it most.
Contact Information:
Address: 1426 Sam Houston Ave, Huntsville, TX 77340
Phone: (936) 284-5547
Mailing Address: PO Box 1893, Huntsville, TX 77342-1893
24/7 Crisis Hotline: 1-833-858-6265
Email: crd@saafehouse.org
For more details on SAAFE House and its services, visit their website at https://www.saafehouse.org/.
