Emergency Shelter

Safe Harbor offers safe shelter and advocacy services to victims of domestic violence and their dependent children up to 17 years of age. We have shelter locations in Greenville, Anderson and Oconee Counties. 

Our primary goal is to offer a welcoming and safe community living environment. Our community living team provides all basic living necessities, while our advocacy team assists you with your individual goals.

Like all of our programs, our emergency shelter services are free and confidential. We are here to support you. 

Emergency Shelter

If you are fleeing or attempting to flee from an abusive marriage or relationship and need a safe place to go, please contact our 24/7 line at 1.800.291.2139 (select option "1" to speak with someone.) We are available anytime to answer questions, provide support or help you complete an intake for services.

We know that leaving an abusive relationship can be dangerous. Learn more about creating a safety plan that can be helpful in maximizing the safety of you and your children.

 

frequently asked questions about shelter

  • How long can I stay?
    • The standard stay is 60 days.

    • You will meet with an advocate within 72 business hours of your arrival, and the advocate will speak with you in detail about your situation. Your advocate will assist you to 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 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. To ensure your safety and the safety of all shelter residents, you are expected to follow shelter guidelines.

    • Of special importance for everybody’s safety is the need to keep the shelter location confidential.

  • What type of help and support does a Safe Harbor shelter provide?
    • 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 Store. Limited client assistance funds may be available to help you achieve your needs and goals.

    • You will have an advocate to work closely with you throughout your shelter stay. Your advocate will work alongside you as you are determining your goals and may be able to offer resources to assist you in taking next steps.

    • To help you reach your goals, please bring all important documents such as ID, birth certificate, and social security cards.

    • All shelter residents can also choose to participate in other services provided by Safe Harbor: counseling, assistance with an Order of Protection, support groups, and domestic violence education classes.
  • Does Safe Harbor provide transportation?
    • 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.

  • What are the accomodations like?
    • You may share a bedroom with other clients and their families. Some bedrooms have bunk beds. Please let a staff member know if you have special sleeping needs.

    • The shelter is a community living environment. All common spaces are shared, including the kitchen, living room, and playroom.

    • Space and storage are limited in the shelter. Please limit belongings to what you will need.

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

  • What can I expect in a community living environment?
    • Every client in our shelter is experiencing trauma. It is helpful to remember that trauma affects victims 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 counseling and domestic violence education groups, 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, manage expectations, focus on your goals, and use coping skills, identifying your strengths and believing in yourself will help you along the way.

    • Our shelters 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. 

    • 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.

  • Shelter Support Team
    Community living can be challenging. Our Community Living and Shelter Advocacy teams will help you face those challenges and assist you with your needs.
     
    Community Living Team
    • 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
     
    Shelter Advocacy Team
    • 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

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