Our Story
We are your sisters in this journey
Rise Foundation was born from a simple belief: that every woman who has survived domestic violence deserves not just safety, but a home she can truly call her own.
Founded in sisterhood, built on hope
In 2018, Dr. Angela Reyes watched a close friend leave an abusive marriage with nothing but a bag of clothes and two children. Despite her courage, Angela's friend spent three years in transitional housing, unable to save enough for a down payment while paying rent and rebuilding her life.
Angela knew this story was not unique. Across the country, survivors who had done everything right — left, sought help, stabilized — were still locked out of homeownership by the one barrier no one was addressing: the down payment.
She founded Rise Foundation to close that gap. Since our first grant in 2019, we have helped 247 survivors purchase homes in 14 states.
See How We HelpWhat We Stand For
Our core values
Safety First
Every decision we make centers the safety and privacy of survivors. We never share personal information and maintain strict confidentiality protocols.
Dignity Always
We believe survivors deserve to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity — not as victims, but as resilient individuals building their futures.
Community Power
We are stronger together. Our network of donors, volunteers, housing partners, and advocates forms a sisterhood of support.
Radical Transparency
100% of every donation goes directly to down payment grants. We publish our financials annually and welcome scrutiny.
Leadership
The team behind the mission
Dr. Angela Reyes
Founder & Executive Director
A survivor herself, Angela founded Rise Foundation in 2018 after witnessing the housing crisis facing survivors leaving shelters. She holds a doctorate in Social Work from Emory University.
Sandra Kim
Director of Programs
Sandra oversees grant disbursement and survivor navigation services. She brings 15 years of nonprofit housing experience and a deep commitment to trauma-informed care.
Marcus Webb
Director of Development
Marcus leads fundraising strategy and donor relations. His background in community finance and impact investing helps Rise Foundation grow its reach every year.
Join the sisterhood of support
Whether you donate, volunteer, or spread the word — you are part of Rise Foundation.