MayDay to reopen Baker County advocacy center June 1

Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Baker County will again have a local place to call, walk into and get help when MayDay, Inc. reopens its advocacy center June 1.

The nonprofit paused services earlier this year while it worked to stabilize operations and rebuild on a sustainable footing. MayDay said it now has three new board members and an advocate in place, and will move forward with a smaller but active staff.

When the center reopens, it will operate Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon, with Friday afternoon appointments available as needed. The crisis line will also return to service. MayDay’s office is at 2745 Broadway Street in Baker City, and its 24-hour crisis line is (541) 523-4134.

That reopening matters in a county where access can be difficult and delays can be costly. Baker County’s estimated population was 16,750 on July 1, 2024, and 28.2% of residents were age 65 or older, a combination that can make transportation, privacy and quick referrals harder for people already under stress.

MayDay’s history in Baker County has grown well beyond a single hotline. The organization says it provides assistance, support, education and advocacy for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence, stalking and trafficking, along with support groups, a 24/7 crisis line, hospital accompaniment, court accompaniment, co-located services and a confidential shelter.

The organization also thanked Shelter From The Storm, Whitney Rilee and the Baker County District Attorney’s Office for helping support survivors and staff during the transition. That collaboration signals a restart built with local partners, not in isolation.

For Baker County residents, the practical effect is immediate: the center will again serve as a central point for confidential help, safety planning and referrals without requiring a trip out of county. State agencies underscore that role. The Oregon Department of Human Services says domestic violence providers can help with safety planning and finding local resources, while the Oregon Department of Justice directs survivors to nearby shelters and rape crisis centers.

Baker City’s victim-information page also lists MayDay as providing domestic and sexual violence crisis services throughout Baker County. With the reopening, those services are set to resume locally at a time when many residents need fast, nearby access most.