The journey of the Lummi Victims of Crime (LVOC) program is a story of growth, resilience, and community strength. From its humble beginnings in 1989 to the establishment of their first shelter, Ne-Alis-Tokw (My Sisters’ Place) in 2004 and its relocation to the current shelter, the Lummi Victims of Crime program stands as a powerful testament to community resilience, cultural strength, and the enduring commitment to protect and uplift Lummi families.

Early Beginnings (1989–1990)

In response to the high rates of domestic violence affecting Indigenous communities, the Lummi Victims of Crime program was established around 1989–1990 through the leadership of the Lummi Tribal Council ("Lummi Indian Business Council"/"LIBC") and the support of early grant funding.

At the time, resources were extremely limited. The program could only offer short-term hotel stays—often just a few days—for victims seeking safety. Without a dedicated shelter or stable housing, many survivors were forced to return to unsafe environments or face homelessness. This urgent need for a secure, long-term refuge became the driving force behind future expansion.

The First Shelter: Ne-Alis-Tokw (My Sisters’ Place) – 2004

In 2004, a new grant provided the opportunity to create the tribe’s first women’s shelter, named Ne-Alis-Tokw (My Sisters’ Place).

With the combined efforts of LIBC, Lummi Housing, and the Planning Department, the tribe acquired a double-wide trailer surrounded by a secure fence. This marked the first time the community had a dedicated, confidential space for women and families escaping domestic violence.

The shelter featured:

Four bedrooms, each converted to accommodate multiple families.
Pullout couches in the living room for overflow needs.
Secure fencing to ensure safety and privacy.

At times, up to 10 families were housed in the trailer. While the shelter provided critical safety and support, the limited space quickly became a challenge as the need for services grew.

Expansion and Relocation: Se-Eye-Chen Building - 2013

By 2013, the demand for shelter and support had outgrown the original facility. With continued assistance from the Council and Lummi Housing, LVOC relocated to the Se-Eye-Chen building, a larger and more functional space that could better serve families in crisis.

This move allowed the program to expand its capacity and services, offering not just emergency shelter but also advocacy, case management, and cultural healing opportunities. The building became the heart of the community’s efforts to protect and empower victims of violence.

Today: Ne-Alis-Tokw Shelter

The Se-Eye-Chen building has since been officially named and continues to operate as the Ne-Alis-Tokw Shelter (My Sisters’ Place) - honoring the legacy of the original 2004 shelter while providing a stronger foundation for future generations.

The shelter now serves dozens of families each year:

2024: Assisted 37 adults and 29 children.
2025: Currently assisting 19 adults and 25 children.

The facility has endured heavy use and faced many challenges, yet it remains a cornerstone of safety, healing, and hope for the Lummi community.

Continuing the Mission

The LVOC and Ne-Alis-Tokw Shelter continue to face and overcome challenges such as:

Overcapacity due to high community need
Facility wear-and-tear due to how old the building is.
Funding limitations for ongoing and much needed maintenance as well as expansion.
Ongoing support services to address needs for survivors in need of healing from trauma and transitioning to independence.

Despite these obstacles, the shelter’s mission remains unwavering—to provide a safe, culturally grounded space where victims and families can heal, rebuild, and thrive.

Lummi Victims of Crime 2025 "Shine Bright" Gala & Auction

In Partnership with the Lhaq'temish Foundation