When eight‑year‑old Chloe Thompson and her mother fled a violent home, they found refuge at the Women’s and Children’s Alliance (WCA) in downtown Boise. The shelter’s safe environment gave the young family a chance to heal, and the experience left a lasting impression on Thompson.
Finding safety as a child
Thompson recalls the night her mother was attacked. “I ran over to her, I got on top of him. He threw me off and I hit my back against the bed frame and then I fell to the ground and I was in so much pain,” she said. After calling 911, the attacker pursued them, and the mother‑daughter pair escaped through a back door, driving away with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
They arrived at the WCA and, after three months of counseling, case management, and financial‑empowerment services, they left with a sense of peace that Thompson had never known before. “I just immediately felt this sense of peace, and I’ve never felt that in my entire life up to that point,” she remembered.
WCA’s role in the community
CEO Laura Honn says the WCA serves roughly 4,000 people each year, offering shelter for up to seven months and a suite of wrap‑around services. “Clients can stay there for up to seven months. We really try and help them move forward by providing counseling, case management, financial empowerment, and all of those things take place whilst they’re living in our safe shelter,” Honn explained.
Funding, however, remains a challenge. Federal appropriations for domestic‑abuse services have been declining, putting pressure on the organization’s ability to maintain its comprehensive program.
Returning to give back
Years after leaving the shelter, Thompson chose to return to the WCA as an employee, motivated by gratitude for the support that changed her life. “I really wanted to give back to something that completely changed my life,” she said.
Now, Thompson is preparing for another major transition—relocating to New York City. She credits the stability and confidence she gained at the WCA for making the move possible. “I would have never been able to take this leap if I didn’t have the groundwork that the WCA gave me and my mom,” she affirmed.
Looking ahead
The WCA continues to rely on community donations and advocacy to offset shrinking federal dollars. Local supporters are encouraged to visit the organization’s website for ways to contribute or volunteer.
Thompson’s story underscores the lasting impact of safe‑housing programs and the importance of sustained resources for survivors of domestic abuse throughout Idaho.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.
