Raphael House of Portland was founded in 1977 in response to a community need for emergency shelter for women and children. It comprises a third of the emergency bed space for domestic violence surivivors in the Portland area. Our three primary aims are:
 
I.  Saving Lives, Providing Shelter

• Emergency shelter - we provide a confidential, secure shelter for women and children fleeing domestic abuse.
• Emergency food & clothing - fulfilling the basic needs of our residents.
• Children's services - meeting the special needs of our youngest residents.
• 24-hour crisis line - providing guidance, support, resources and referrals.

II.  Self-Sufficiency Planning

• Self-Sufficiency Plans - facilitating a safe future through transitional and permanent housing, employment, physical and mental health counseling, and referrals to resources for improving life skills.
• Support groups - facilitating growth through peer support and group discussions.
• Children's services - providing special activities, tutoring, and resources for children and teens.

III.  Prevention - A Safe Future for Every Woman

• Community Education - trainings and community awareness activities about dating and domestic violence.
• Corporate Education Campaign titled "Recognize, Respond, Refer:  Domestic Violence, Make It Your Business" takes prevention into the local corporate sector
• Takecareonline.org - a comprehensive website about healthy and unhealthy relationships that gives people of all ages the tools to stay safe in their relationships.
• Educational Publications - Take Care, a resource guide for teens about healthy and unhealthy relationships available in English and Spanish.
• Community Partnerships - working with community and business partners to prevent domestic violence.