Article by Jessica Renstrom

Photo courtesy of Western Security Bank 

When YWCA Billings finished 10 new shelter units in 2022, they filled within four days. Needs like that are exactly what Western Security Bank's Hands of Hope grant exists to help meet. The quarterly award comes as a financial gift, advertising assistance, and service time, support that reaches everyone the recipient organization serves. For an organization like YWCA Billings, whose services reach people in the community's most vulnerable moments, that support means the most. 

YWCA Billings, the most recent Hands of Hope grant recipient, provides services and support to individuals experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. "We work to bring as many domestic violence and support services as possible under one roof," says Erin Lambert, CEO of YWCA Billings. Those services include emergency services, case management, housing, legal advocacy, and more, all designed to help survivors break free from violent and abusive situations. 

During its last fiscal year, YWCA Billings served just under 1,600 people. "The need is increasing," Erin says. "It's hard to gauge how much it's increasing because we've been at max capacity for a while." It's the same demand that filled the shelter's 2022 expansion within days of opening. 

"Our biggest cost is staffing and utility costs," Erin explains. The Hands of Hope grant will help offset those costs and keep the doors open at an organization the community relies on. 

"We want to provide support to everyone who needs it. We are here to support survivors, but we don't have the magic wand to make the abuse stop," Erin says. "We can't solve all the problems, but we can be a partner, and we have a ton of incredible resources to help." 

Those wanting to get involved with YWCA Billings, or to find help, can visit ywcabillings.org. 

Originally printed in the October 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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