When economic stress turns into violence, Bethany House is there to help.

"Tensions rise in homes when people are in a financial crunch," explains Catherine Hassinger, Executive Director of Bethany House of Northern Virginia. "As a result, more violent outbursts are occurring and creating an increased need for Bethany House of Northern Virginia's services. At the same time, our regular sources of revenue are in question."

"We offer shelter, food, a help line—this is what we do and this is what we tell our supporters," explains Hassinger,. "Yet, sometimes we get the response, ‘Everybody does that; what else do you do?' They're looking for something that's ‘different' but, the truth is, the need for basics such as food and shelter is more critical than ever."

Recognizing the importance of funding those basic needs, The Community Foundation created The Neighbors in Need Fund last year. Bethany House is one of its first grantees.

A faith-based organization that seeks to eliminate domestic violence "one family at a time," Bethany House serves women and children who have survived family and intimate partner violence, offering housing and comprehensive emergency and long-term support.

Bethany House is unique in that it offers care to individuals whom most domestic violence agencies cannot help: women who do not fit the classic definition of domestic violence, such as an elderly parent abused by an adult child. Other agencies often refer to Bethany House clients whom they cannot help due to government or internal restrictions.

The Community Foundation's grant has helped offset mortgage, rental and utility costs for the group's four emergency shelters. "Rising operating costs in a faltering economy is one of our most pressing concerns," says Hassinger.

Another concern is the increase in domestic violence. Not only that, but, because of the lack of available transitional or affordable housing, many clients have nowhere to go once they leave Bethany House. As a result, Bethany House has elected to continue to house clients until transitional housing becomes available rather than return them to homelessness – a move that has created a drain on its resources and challenges in meeting the needs of all callers.

"It's heartbreaking to go home at night knowing that you turned someone away who was in physical harm," says the Executive Director. "And it hurts to know that someone may be at risk because you can't offer them a bed."