June 1, 2012
Guest Blog By: Dan Beckmann
The doors of Harbor House are always open for victims of domestic abuse. In fact, close to a thousand survivors walk through them every year. There’s also another door at the shelter; a different kind of door. A door painted in purple, lined with hundreds of signatures in silver sharpie, which sits atop a wobbly stand in the corner of a hallway on the 2nd floor.
The “Purple Door Project,” as its called, allows those of us outside the doors of Harbor House, to help those in need on the inside. Its goal is to stop the cycle of domestic violence by making sure the survivor has everything they need – both at the shelter and beyond.
Often times, when residents come to Harbor House, they arrive with nothing more than the clothes on their back. Not only does the shelter offer a safe place to stay, it also provides daily living essentials, such as daycare, toiletries, linens and food. Harbor House also offers transportation and case management, and helps provide long-term support; helping survivor’s transition out of the shelter and into a safe home. All of this is provided at no cost.
By making a donation to the “Purple Door Project” you’re able to sponsor a survivor. Helping ensure all those needs will continue to be met.
If a victim of domestic violence can be courageous enough to walk out the door of an abusive relationship, surely we can find the courage to walk towards a door that symbolizes hope.
Sign the door at one of Harbor House’s Community Events. Make a donation. Make a difference. Even the smallest gift can have an enormous impact.
About Dan Beckmann
Dan Beckmann is a Director of Photography, journalist and storyteller. A former staff editor, producer and cameraman for the Today Show, Dan has traveled across the globe, covering some of the biggest news stories of the last twenty years. Currently, he contributes regular Op Ed and My Word articles for the Orlando Sentinel, and writes a monthly column for the Homeless Coalition of Central Florida.
