If you are in immediate danger, CALL 911.

For 24/7 confidential support, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or thehotline.org

Our Mission & Vision

Transforming Lives with Project 816

Vision:

A world where every woman and child can rebuild their lives in peace, rediscover their strength, and rise with confidence after life’s challenges.

Mission:

Project 816 empowers women and children to achieve lasting independence by providing long-term healing support, stable re-housing pathways, and essential resources that break the cycle of abuse. Through compassionate guidance and community partnerships, we help families rediscover stability, restore confidence, and begin again with hope and strength.

Our Founder

Project 816 was born from lived experience—through hardship, healing, and the decision to begin again.

The name itself carries deep personal meaning. Michelle was born on August 16 (08/16), at 8:16 AM—a reminder that even in life’s most difficult moments, there is purpose, alignment, and the possibility of a new beginning.

Michelle’s journey began with adversity at a young age. She experienced childhood abuse that, over time, carried into her adult relationships. For years, it felt like a cycle she couldn’t escape. As a young single mother of four, she did what many women do—she kept going. She pushed through the pain, focused on survival, and showed up for her children, even when she was struggling internally.

But life has a way of bringing unresolved wounds to the surface.

A pivotal moment forced Michelle to confront everything she had carried for so long. It brought her to her knees—but it also became the beginning of something new.

Through that process, she began to understand herself more deeply—how past experiences shape thoughts, emotions, and patterns. She learned that healing is not about perfection, but about awareness, intention, and the daily choice to move forward. Even in the hardest moments, she discovered the power of shifting her mindset—choosing better thoughts, building emotional resilience, and learning how to regulate and respond rather than react.

Over time, those small shifts created momentum.

What once felt heavy became lighter. What once felt impossible became manageable. Opportunities began to appear where there were once only obstacles. And through that growth, Michelle found something she had never truly experienced before—a deep, unshakable love for herself.

That transformation changed everything.

Project 816 was created from that place—not just to help women survive, but to help them truly heal, rebuild, and step into the life they were meant for.

Today, Michelle’s mission is to help other women—especially mothers—break free from cycles of trauma, find their strength, and create lasting change for themselves and their families.

Her story is not about having all the answers or never struggling again. It’s about rising, again and again—and proving that no matter where you start, a different life is possible.

Because healing is not the end of the story—it’s the beginning.

Why 816?

816 Is a Promise

The number 816 also represents a promise to every woman who connects with our community.

A promise that healing is possible.
A promise that stability can be rebuilt.
A promise that you do not have to move forward alone.

At Project 816, the journey forward begins with hope — and continues with support.

Meaning of 816

816 is more than a number — it represents new beginnings, divine alignment, and faith through renewal.

Our Non-profit

Is built on the belief that transformation is possible, no matter how broken the beginning.

The Problem

Housing Insecurity & Domestic Violence

Gap Between Short-term vs. Long-term Stability

When women and children leave difficult or unsafe situations, they’re often left without true stability.

They may have escaped the crisis — but now face new challenges: finding safe housing, affording childcare, rebuilding credit, and starting over from nothing.

There’s a significant gap between short-term crisis support and long-term stability. Many families face uncertainty and lack safe, reliable housing as they work to rebuild their lives.

Key Facts (California):

•1 in 4 women experience domestic violence in their lifetime.

•60% of women leaving unsafe homes face housing insecurity within six months.

•Transitional and re-homing programs are limited and underfunded, especially for single mothers.

Gap Between Short-term vs. Long-term Stability

Nearly half of all women have experienced intimate partner violence. (Blue Shield of California Foundation, 2024)

Women who experience IPV are 4× more likely to face housing insecurity. (California-based cross-sectional study, PubMed)

57% of homeless women in California statewide cite domestic violence as the primary reason for homelessness; this rises to 80% if they are caring for children. (Human Options, 2024)

In 2023, 2-1-1 San Diego received 445 calls from clients experiencing domestic violence; 65% reported housing-related needs.

Single-mother households face a 27% poverty rate — compared to 6% for married-couple households — increasing risk of housing instability.

These statistics highlight the critical gap between crisis support and long-term stability — and the urgent need for programs like Project 816 to provide housing, resources, and a fresh start.

Impact Goals

Every contribution helps a family regain stability and confidence— one home, one child, one new beginning at a time.

Re-home families through our Re-Homing & Transitional Support Program.
Provide essential support, including daycare, food, clothing, transportation, and furnishings, to help families regain stability.
Establish corporate sponsorship partnerships through the Employee Renewal Program.
Offer healing workshops or retreats for women to restore confidence, connection, and calm.
Award educational scholarships for women or children seeking long-term stability through school or training.
Build a sustainable foundation for long-term community support, including establishing our Calm Pantry and program partnerships.

Learn More

Project 816 | Building Stability That Lasts

If you are in immediate danger, CALL 911.

Join Project 816 in making a difference!