Emergency Shelter

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 counseling and domestic abuse 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.