Our Mission -

Refuge

Here at Blank Page Project, our primary goal is to provide an easily accessible, growing network of safe, affordable, private, and secure housing for post-separation adult, child, and pet survivors of coercive control.

(That’s a mouthful. Think of it like online vacation rentals, except specially designed for survivors with extras like affordability and security measures.)

Our founder had to spend 30 days in an abusive environment after making the decision to leave simply because the local domestic violence shelter wasn’t an option when trying to keep several neurodiverse kids and their pets together with their primary caregiver during one of the most traumatic events of their lives. Post separation, she and her family spent the next four years in a series of leaking, moldy, pest infested, poorly insulated homes because of previous domestic finanical abuse and ongoing systemic coercive control. She knows first hand that safe, affordable housing that keeps everyone (including pets) together is a necessary part of the healing journey for survivors.

For now, the Blank Page Project is accepting donations toward the purchase of a handful of multi unit properties in Southern Maine. (Click on the [donation form] if you want to make a donation. You will need an email address and a debit/credit card, but we won’t share your information).

Our vision is to expand to a nationwide network of online and app-based, searchable housing opportunities called Makasa (more about that name later).

Until then, you can consider investing in these efforts locally by offering the use of your available accessory units, apartments, and real estate at or below market value. After a careful interview process, we’ll take care of connecting you with survivors in need. Imagine what a difference you can make!

Respite

Our second goal here at the Blank Page Project is to provide opportunities for survivors of coercive control to experience personal healing through access to calming environmental measures and community supports.

RESPITE THROUGH CALMING ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES Each property owner agrees to work with local professional or volunteer designers to ensure their rental environments are able to provide the occupants with relaxation and respite. While we do not promise luxury vacation homes for everyone, we do promise that you’ll find a place of solace to begin your healing journey with dignity. We have a zero tolerance policy for ongoing environmental hazards such as mold, smoke, leaks, pests, poor insulation, and unnecessary noise pollution on the property. We stand firmly behind the belief that we will not simply provide a house; we will provide a home. Access to a good night’s sleep and a healthy physical environment when healing from trauma is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Interested in sharing your design expertise? Click [here] to fill out an application for approval. Interested in becoming a housing provider? Click on the Refuge tab for more.

RESPITE THROUGH COMMUNITY SUPPORT Our website will soon provide a searchable database for local resources including trauma informed group therapy, individual therapy, wellness providers such as massage therapists, attorneys, churches, and other like minded community groups. Interested in listing your business or organization on our site? Click [here] to fill out an application for approval.

Enrichment

Our third goal at Blank Page Project is to provide access to educational opportunities and/or scholarships for survivors to engage themselves in using their voices professionally. For example funds can be awarded for those seeking to become a therapist, lawyer, educator, legislator, Blank Page Project: Makasa homeowner, writer, support group leader, or other advocate.

The scholarship aspect of the Blank Page Project will be available as funding goals are met. Availability of scholarships will be directly correlated to scholarship-specific donations.

As this program expands its reach, BPP will also publish a directory of family-friendly, survivor-tested local earning opportunities here on the website.

THIS PROGRAM IS NOT YET IN EFFECT AS OF FALL 2022. Follow us on social media for updates!

Click [here] if you have a tested idea for earning opportunities for single parents, under-educated adults, and trauma survivors in your community.

Outreach

The fourth goal at Blank Page Project is to increase the public’s awareness of domestic and systemic use of coercive control. In addition, we as a community will seek to influence the passing of legislation intended to protect survivors from future harm.