For over 40 years, Doorways has been empowering women and families fleeing domestic violence and homelessness. What started with one shelter and one response has grown into a series of pathways individually tailored for children, youth, adults, and families out of homelessness and domestic violence. Now, it is Arlington's only provider of emergency shelter, comprehensive services, and supportive housing for survivors and their families. Adults receive counseling and referrals while youth receive physical and emotional support. Those seeking formal protection from an abuser turn to Doorways for court advocacy and companionship. Others escaping violence or shielding a loved one access a 24-hour hotline and individual financial education. 90% percent of the individuals and families who enter its shelter and re-housing programs maintain housing stability after graduating. At Doorways, everyone deserves a safe home and a stable life.

Headquarters: VA-Arlington County

Where They Operate: VA-Arlington County

Age Groups Served: All

Ethnic Groups Served: African American; Asian American; Caucasian; Latino/Hispanic

Population(s) Served: All; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members


  • Number of Clients Served:   2,146 in FY13
  • % of clients who met goals of increased stability/self sufficiency in areas of housing, employment and economic wellness in FY13:   89%
  • % of clients exiting programs into safe, positive, long-term housing (FY13):   76%
  • Average increase in annual wealth accumulation by families participating in the Financial Independence Track (FY13):   $25,653
  • Number of adults & children assisted with protective orders and other legal protections to keep them safe from intimate partner violence, in FY13:   468

Awards & Recognition

2009 winner of The Washington Post Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management from Center for Nonprofit Advancement

Awarded top ratings from Charity Navigator for eight years in a row.

Selected as “one of the great charities” in the December 2008 by Washingtonian magazine

Accredited by the The Virginia Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, indicating adherence to rigorous standards

Winner of the 2013 HomeAid of Northern Virginia Non-Profit Service Provider Project of the Year

Named a 2015 Best Nonprofit by the Arlington Sun Gazette

Awarded the 2014 James B. Hunter Human Rights Award

President & CEO, Caroline Jones, won the 2014 Brava Award

Press

Budget (FY2023)

  • The current budget for Doorways is: $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

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