A Sanctuary of Safety, Dignity, and Hope
HAVEN’s Emergency Shelter program stands as a beacon of hope and a lifeline for individuals and families escaping the devastating impacts of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
At the heart of HAVEN’s mission is an unwavering commitment to supporting survivors as they seek safety and embark on their own journeys toward healing and empowerment.
Our Mission
The shelter does not merely offer a roof over one’s head—it provides a haven where survivors are met with compassion, dignity, and the specialized support necessary to rebuild their lives. With a team of dedicated, trained advocates available around the clock, the program ensures that safety and help are never out of reach for those in need.
The mission of HAVEN’s Emergency Shelter program is to support survivors seeking safety and healing. This is accomplished through a partnership with residents, empowering them to identify pathways to increase their own safety and to take the first steps—or sometimes the next steps—toward personal healing. By treating each survivor as an individual, the program respects their autonomy and choices, offering support tailored to their unique needs and circumstances.
The shelter is designed specifically for those in immediate danger due to:
Domestic Violence
Sexual Assault
Human Trafficking
Recognizing the complex trauma that accompanies each of these experiences, the shelter provides both urgent safety and longer-term support for survivors, regardless of age, background, gender, or family status.
24/7 Compassionate Support
Trained advocates staff the shelter 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These professionals are more than just staff—they are compassionate listeners, crisis responders, safety planners, and resource navigators. All services at the shelter are voluntary: residents have the autonomy to select the services that best support their healing and recovery. This trauma-informed approach helps restore a sense of control and agency to individuals who may feel they have lost it.
Our Survivor-Centered Approach
A core tenet of HAVEN’s approach is the voluntary nature of all services. Participants are never compelled to engage in any service. Instead, they are encouraged to choose what feels most helpful and healing to them, whether that’s attending a support group, meeting with a case manager, or simply taking some time to rest and recover. This respect for autonomy helps build trust and fosters an environment conducive to genuine healing.
Supportive Services
Beyond offering immediate physical safety, HAVEN’s Emergency Shelter program provides a holistic array of supportive services designed to meet the diverse needs of residents. These include, but are not limited to:
Food and Clothing: Nutritious meals and essential clothing are provided to all residents, ensuring basic needs are met with dignity.
Individual Counseling (Peer Counseling): Survivors can engage in one-on-one counseling with trained peers, offering a safe space to process trauma, receive emotional support, and develop coping strategies.
Case Management Services: Experienced case managers work collaboratively with each resident to assess needs, set personal goals, and connect them with relevant resources—both within the shelter and in the broader community.
Parenting and Support Groups for Adults: Group support is available for parents and other adults, creating an environment where individuals can draw strength and practical guidance from others with shared experiences.
Youth Programs: Specialized programming for children and teens addresses their unique needs, providing therapeutic support and opportunities for positive development in a safe environment.
Restraining Order Assistance: Legal advocates are on hand to help survivors navigate the challenging process of obtaining restraining orders, offering both information and accompaniment as needed.
Each of these services is designed to support not just survival, but healing and the rebuilding of hope for the future.
Safety and Confidentiality
Confidentiality and safety are paramount in every aspect of the shelter’s operation. Strict policies and procedures are in place to ensure that residents’ identities and locations remain secure. All staff receive ongoing training in trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and crisis intervention, reinforcing HAVEN’s commitment to treating every individual with respect, empathy, and understanding.
The Impact of Our Shelter
The effect of HAVEN’s Emergency Shelter program reaches far beyond immediate shelter and safety. For many survivors, it is the beginning of a transformative journey—one where they can rediscover their strengths, connect with supportive networks, and take concrete steps toward independence. By providing comprehensive services and a nurturing environment, the shelter increases the likelihood of positive long-term outcomes for survivors and their families.
How You Can Help
To continue providing high-quality care and comfort to its residents, HAVEN’s Emergency Shelter relies on the generosity of the community for essential items. Donations, whether new, unused, or gently used, help meet the daily needs of residents and ensure their stay is as comfortable and dignified as possible.
Every donation directly benefits survivors residing at the shelter, helping to restore a sense of normalcy and comfort during a period of upheaval.
At its core, HAVEN’s Emergency Shelter program is about hope, safety, and the possibility of a new beginning. By offering survivors both a safe place to stay and a comprehensive array of supportive services, HAVEN empowers residents to rebuild their lives on their own terms. The compassion and generosity of the community are vital to sustaining this mission, ensuring that, for every survivor who seeks refuge, there is always a haven waiting.
Support HAVEN
Every donation supports survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.