Billi Lacombe, Executive Director of Faith House since 2002, joins Discover Lafayette to talk about her life mission to help survivors of domestic violence become safe. Leaving an abusive situation is never easy due to various barriers such as financial insecurity, lack of support systems, fear of losing children, and concerns over personal safety.

Faith House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Lafayette, serving seven parishes in Acadiana, which provides free services to women and children who need help in getting out of a domestic violence situation. Its main source of funding (75%) is through federal grants ( Office on Violence Against Women, the Department of Health and HUD), .and the organization relies upon volunteer services to keep its mission going.

Faith House’s mission is to provide safety, shelter, empowerment and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence. It offers confidential and safe resources to those most in need.

As a young women, Billi studied to be a paralegal and was contacted in 1998 by a former classmate who asked her to work at Faith House. She had always had an interest in women’s rights after seeing women in her life experiencing extreme hardships and the opportunity seemed appropriate for her.

Billi went to work at Faith House as a legal advocate helping survivors, getting protective orders for them, and she says, “That was it for me. I saw nothing else that I would want to do with my life other than continue to help survivors of domestic violence become safe. That became my life’s mission.” And for the record, during our interview, we saw the calming energy Billi brings to the table that is a gift from God.

Faith House addresses the challenges women face wherever they are, taking care of their family and trying to earn a livable income for themselves and their family. Many people don’t see the barriers that still exist for women. Billi says, “It is about justice for me. I just want to see justice, equality, and equity happening more for women so that they can exist in this world. Not having to stay with an abusive partner and to be able to live and support your children. You should not have to be abused just to be able to pay your bills. I mean that that’s what these survivors are facing.”

Many domestic violence victims and their families need emergency shelter. Faith House offers a safe refuge for those in the highest levels of danger who have experienced severe cases of domestic violence with a high potential for lethality. Billi says, “It is very typical for a family to walk in, a mom with a couple of kids, with absolutely nothing. Sometimes they don’t have shoes on their feet, they’re in their nightclothes and haven’t eaten for 2 or 3 days, and are starving when they walk in the door. The shelter offers anything you could imagine that you would need if you left your home with nothing. Toothpaste. Shampoo. A sandwich, some water. Clothing. Everything that you could imagine.”

Glenn Armentor has been generous in supporting Faith House through underwriting television ads which highlight Faith House and its mission to help domestic violence victims. Since this advertising campaign started six years ago, Faith House has had thousands of people call their hotline and say they heard the commercial and reached out for help. They would not have otherwise known there was a place to go for assistance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdgKE3-D6dU

Many survivors worry about their children when considering leaving. Losing custody due to financial instability is a significant concern. Abusers often use threats of taking children as a means of control. The fear of homelessness and the inability to provide a stable environment keeps many in dangerous situations. Faith House offers emergency shelter to those in the highest danger levels, providing a safe space where families can focus on rebuilding their lives.

Physical safety is another major issue. Survivors are coached on strategies such as leaving only one car door unlocked and backing into driveways for quick exits, as well as making themselves as small as possible in a corner if attacked. Having essential documents and belongings ready to grab in an emergency is crucial. Teaching children to run to a neighbor or using a pre-established code word to alert the children to danger can also be lifesaving.

Survivors often freeze up during violent incidents, so training for automatic responses is essential. Faith House helps survivors develop safety plans tailored to their situations, including strategies for staying safe during visitations with abusive parents. Since abuse does not always end when a victim leaves, ongoing safety planning and legal assistance are critical. Faith House works with survivors to understand their legal rights and navigate court processes, including obtaining protective orders.

Confidentiality is paramount at Faith House. Many survivors do not disclose their abuse due to shame, fear for their safety, or lack of support from family members. Victim-blaming attitudes, such as questioning why they stayed when abused, only reinforces isolation. Faith House ensures survivors have a trusted space where their experiences are validated, and their safety is prioritized.

The legal system can be overwhelming, and financial constraints often prevent victims from accessing legal support. The Lafayette Bar Association provides essential legal forms and assistance for those who cannot afford an attorney, selling low-cost forms that help in filing protective orders, custody arrangements, and divorce proceedings.

The Faith House shelter consists of ten bedrooms, each offering five beds, with shared bathrooms and common areas, including a fully stocked kitchen where families can cook their own meals. This structure helps maintain a sense of normalcy. Additionally, a playroom and laundry facilities ensure that families have access to basic needs.

Recognizing that pets are also victims of domestic violence and have suffered physical and/or emotional abuse, Faith House has an on-site pet facility through the generosity of Red Rover, a national foundation dedicated to ensuring that survivors can keep their pets. Many abusers harm pets in the household, and having a safe space for them when they leave the abusive home is crucial for the survivors’ emotional well-being.

Faith House offers support groups where survivors can connect, share experiences, and heal. These groups are facilitated across multiple parishes and provide a sense of community. Additionally, transitional housing programs help survivors move from emergency shelter to independent living. A new facility in Mansura, Louisiana, is being developed to expand these services.

Community support is vital. Fundraisers, donations, and local volunteer efforts sustain many programs. Faith House recently launched Wildflower Lane, a boutique on N. Parkerson Street in Crowley, that sells donated items from local boutiques and gently used items from donors. Volunteers staff the shop, and all proceeds directly support the organization.

Board members and volunteers are instrumental in spreading awareness and securing resources. They assist with events, fundraising, and donation drives. Volunteers can also help with shelter maintenance, hotline support, court accompaniment, and organizing group activities for survivors. Due to the sensitive nature of the work, volunteer training is intensive to ensure proper care and confidentiality.

Faith House collaborates with the Acadiana Coalition Against Homelessness to address the link between domestic violence and homelessness. Many survivors end up on the streets due to a lack of resources, making accessible shelter options a critical need.

Law enforcement plays a key role in intervention, but victims may be hesitant to press charges. Officers are trained to provide support beyond the immediate crisis, recognizing the complexities of abuse. Community members can help by offering non-judgmental support, being available for survivors when they are ready to reach out, and connecting them to resources.

Medical professionals frequently encounter and diagnose domestic violence injuries when victims present themselves in the doctor’s office or the hospital, Recognizing signs of abuse and offering discreet support can make a difference. Faith House provides information through its Facebook page and community outreach efforts to raise awareness and connect survivors to help.

Volunteer projects range from maintaining shelter grounds to sorting donations and assisting with fundraising. Those interested can contact Faith House at (337) 232-8954 or the 24-hour hotline at 1-888-411-1333.

The organization’s wishlist includes expanded shelter capacity and enhanced therapeutic services. With hundreds of people turned away each year due to space limitations, additional facilities are essential. Faith House currently employs two full-time therapists who provide trauma-informed counseling, but more resources are needed to support survivors’ mental health.

Faith House continues to be a beacon of hope for those affected by domestic violence, providing immediate safety, long-term support, and the tools necessary to rebuild lives free from abuse.

For more information visit https://faithhouseacadiana.com/

Discover Lafayette thanks Billi Lacombe and her staff for their dedication in helping victims of domestic violence abuse achieve a better life!

Episode 316 - Questions XVI