Emergency Shelter

Our shelters are community living environments. All common spaces are shared, including the kitchen, living room, and playroom.

Bedrooms have 4-6 beds in each room and shared bathrooms. It is likely you will have other residents staying in your room unless you have a larger family. Some bedrooms have bunk beds. Please let a staff member know if you have special sleeping needs. 

Space and storage are limited in shelter. Please limit belongings to what you will need such as medications, important documents (ID, birth certificate, social security card) and personal items.

A small locker will be provided for your medications, important documents, and other small personal items; however, we are not responsible for your valuables or any personal property.

All new clients receive a “welcome kit” with basic toiletry items upon entry. We also provide additional hygiene products.

Food is provided, and you can speak with the house manager about your specific dietary needs (however, we may not be able to fill every dietary request.) You also have the option of purchasing your own food. 

If you need clothing, Safe Harbor can provide a clothing voucher to our Resale Shop. 

You will have an advocate who will work closely with you throughout your shelter stay. They will walk alongside you as you are determining your goals, and will offer resources and support to assist you in taking next steps.

All shelter clients can also choose to participate in other Safe Harbor services including therapy, assistance with an Order of Protection, and domestic abuse education classes.

Every client in our shelter is experiencing trauma. It is helpful to remember that trauma affects survivors in a variety of ways, and the ways individuals cope also can vary.

Safe Harbor services are offered on a voluntary basis; however, clients who actively engage in our program are more successful in meeting their goals. Therefore, we encourage you to take advantage of all our services, including therapy and domestic abuse education classes, individual case management, child and family services, and house meetings.

Safe Harbor is a confidential program, and we will not share your information without your consent. Because we are a community living environment, you should be cautious about information you share with other residents, as they are not held to the same confidentiality standards.

While we are here to help you on your journey, you will lead your journey. Setting boundaries, managing expectations, focusing on your goals, using coping skills, identifying your strengths, and believing in yourself will help you along the way.

• Safe Harbor strives to be inclusive of all people regardless of age, race, religion, gender identity, or any other identifying factors. We are a community living environment with stairs, bunk beds, roommates, and shared living spaces. Most of our bedrooms are upstairs and it’s possible that you will be placed on a top bunk. Based on limitations of the community living environment, special accommodations will have to be made for transgender clients, clients with teenage boys, medical conditions or anyone with physical limitations. If you need special accommodations, please let us know during your phone intake.

• Provide 24/7 staffing coverage in shelters
• Provide basic needs such as food, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies
• Address community living needs and concerns
• Oversee daily shelter procedures
• Provide emotional support and encouragement

• Partner with you to establish your goals
• Empower you to take control of your life and make your own decisions
• Offer individual safety planning
• Provide emotional support and encouragement

Our average shelter stay is 60 days.

You will meet with a member of our advocacy team within 72 business hours of your arrival to shelter. During this meeting, your advocate will talk with you to fully understand your experience and ensure that Safe Harbor is the most appropriate shelter for your needs.

We realize that you may need less or more time in our shelter, depending on your individual circumstances and goals. You and your advocate will have the opportunity to regularly reassess your needs. Extensions can be granted on a case-by-case basis.

Because our program and its services are voluntary, you may exit the shelter at any time.

We assist with bus tickets for goal-related purposes such as work, child care, and medical needs.

We encourage clients to use public transportation such as bus or trolley. However, if public transportation is unavailable or unsafe, other transportation may be provided on a case-by- case basis for goal-oriented needs. Unfortunately, we are not able to fill every transportation request.

If you have any special transportation needs, you may speak with your advocate to explore other options.