Note: Zakat funds that are donated will be designated for individual victims so please clearly designate any zakat donation.

Purchasing a Transitional Housing Shelter - Not Another Victim with No Place To Go

“If You Don’t Like it Here, Just Leave”

WE HAVE FOUND A BUILDING! 

No woman suffering abuse should have to stay in an unsafe situation because there is no place for her to go. One of our immediate goals is to raise the funds necessary to purchase a building for our transitional housing where women and their children will have a safe haven to rest. We will provide halal meals, a place to pray, and access to local imams. We currently offer culturally competent counseling for women and spiritual support by a group of dedicated social workers and volunteers. We hope RAHAMA Housing will be a light for our sisters in their darkest times.  Please help us to accomplish this endeavor through your prayers and donations.

Imam Khalid joins RAHAMA in calling out to the community for support.

http://youtu.be/tySJwi2VWXE

A SAFE SPACE FOR MUSLIM,IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE WOMEN

"If You Tell Anyone, I will Have You Sent Back Home and You Will Never See Your Kids Again."

We write on behalf of the newlywed who two weeks into her marriage is threatened with her life, the wife who is no longer able to speak to her friends and family, the sister who hides the bruises under her clothes, the mother who is fighting to remain alive for the sake of her children, or the daughter that never wants to marry because of the torture she witnessed at the hands of her father.  

RAHAMA works with many immigrant and refugee women who are particularly vulnerable because oftentimes these women do not speak the language, lack family supports, are stay at home mothers, lack access to transportation or are fearful of loosing their children.  All of which can act as barriers which further isolate women and make it difficult for them to reach out for help.

Imam Zaid Promotes RAHAMA initiative

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aMLkgf0_W4&feature=youtu.be

Empowering Victims

 Our goal is to establish the first transitional house in Western New York for victims of domestic violence that caters to the needs of Muslim women and children.  Founded on Islamic Principles, RAHAMA empowers women experiencing domestic abuse through education, advocacy, support and housing. Since 2006, RAHAMA has been dedicated to helping women by providing culturally competent safety planning, individual and group counseling, legal referrals, material, emotional and spiritual support. Our aim is to have a confidential location where women and children can turn to for help.

Did You Know?

One in four women will experience family violence in her lifetime.  

Domestic violence affects women of all cultures, religions and ethnic backgrounds. 

 Preliminary research suggests that 15% of Muslims experience or have experienced physical violence.  Nobody deserves to be beaten, raped, controlled, insulted or isolated.

Islam holds its followers responsible for speaking out against injustice and doing whatever is possible to end all forms of oppression.(5:8,42:42-43).  The Qur'an reminds victims of oppression that if they are powerless to end the oppression, God's earth is spacious enough for them to find a place free of oppression. (4:97)

Please help us in this effort to create a comfortable space for our sisters in need.

Relief: Holistic Transitional Housing

The property we wish to purchase is 6,000 square feet, has 8 bedrooms, two large common areas, space for an office and business and is able to house anywhere from 8 to 10 women and children at any given time. Women will have a safe place to stay for six months to one year as they work on their short and long term goals.

While no woman will be turned away, we will cater to the unique needs of Muslim women which differentiates us from the other area shelters in Western New York. We will be the only faith based shelter that offers support for domestic violence within an Islamic environment. We also seek to dispel the myths about domestic violence in Islam with the women we serve and in the larger community.

Donate and Become a RAHAMA Advocate

Please donate generously to help us purchase and establish our transitional housing shelter.  Spread the word because every little bit helps!

                                                                        

1. International Institute, www.iibuff.org