10/09/2026
This Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re highlighting Esperanza United, a national organization working to mobilize Latin@ communities to end gender-based violence.
Esperanza United’s story began in St. Paul, Minnesota, where a small group of Latina activists came together to advocate for Latin@s experiencing domestic violence. In 1982, they founded Casa de Esperanza and opened a shelter designed to provide culturally responsive support for survivors and their families.
More than 40 years later, that work has grown and evolved into Esperanza United. Today, they provide survivor-centered services in Minnesota while working nationally through training and technical assistance, research, public policy and prevention.
Their work reminds us why culturally specific advocacy matters. While domestic violence affects people across every community, survivors’ experiences (and the barriers they may face when seeking safety and support) are shaped by culture, language, family, identity and community.
By listening to Latin@ communities and building on their strengths, resilience and wisdom, Esperanza United helps create resources and responses that reflect the people they serve.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the leaders in Latin@ communities who shape this work, the communities carrying it forward, and the culturally specific organizations strengthening the movement to end domestic violence.
Learn more about Esperanza United and explore their resources at esperanzaunited.org.
