6 Supportive Providers Of Shelter To Women In Need

When escaping from an unsafe living situation, many women are left without housing and are unsure of where to turn. Fortunately, there are now more resources than ever to provide assistance. In no particular order, here are several organizations that exist to supply vulnerable women with shelter.

First up at #1 is Genesis Women's Shelter & Support, located in Dallas, Texas. The organization provides both emergency shelter and long-term housing for women looking to escape domestic violence. Over 650 women and their children find safe housing with Genesis each year.

Genesis provides counseling to victims of domestic abuse whether or not they reside in the shelter. These services are available for free to women, children, and teens, including boys up to age seventeen. Victims also have access to pro bono family law services including divorce, child custody negotiations, and protective orders.

Next at #2 is Family Violence Prevention Services, which began in San Antonio in 1977 with a shelter that housed just three women. Today, FVPS is able to accommodate over 200 people in its Battered Women & Children's Shelter, and has expanded to include non-residential legal support, transitional housing, and counseling.

In addition to services for victims, FVPS offers its Violence Intervention Program to perpetrators of domestic abuse. The program works to teach perpetrators to take responsibility for their actions and learn the fundamentals of a healthy, non-violent relationship.

At #3 is Building Futures, based in San Leandro, California. The organization operates the Sister Me Home, a confidential shelter with 24-hour staffing and support services. Building Futures also provides support groups for both men and women who are survivors of domestic violence.

Twice a year, the organization administers its 40-hour Domestic Violence Counselor Training course. Those who complete this course can pursue volunteer and employment opportunities to help survivors of domestic abuse in the state of California.

Next up at #4 is YWCA Cambridge in Massachusetts. Founded in 1891, the organization originally served to provide a home for young women who might not otherwise have been able to afford safe housing. Today, the group runs the largest women's residential facility in the city.

YWCA Cambridge maintains two different shelters for those in need of safe housing. Tanner Residence can house over 100 women in single-occupancy units. Meanwhile, Renae's Place offers accommodations for homeless families, including a play space for children. Each family works with a case manager to assess where they are, set goals, and create steps toward achieving them.

At #5 is Maggie's Place, which provides housing to pregnant women and new mothers for up to a year after giving birth. It uses a Trauma Informed Care approach to provide foundational building blocks for development, learning, and health throughout a person's lifetime. The organization maintains four shelters across the state of Arizona, in the cities of Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, and Glendale.

Each woman who resides in a Maggie's Place shelter is paired with a Family Coach and an AmeriCorps member. Together, these support teams develop and implement individualized plans that help mothers achieve self-sufficiency for both themselves and their babies. The organization also provides educational programming, peer support, and health and wellness classes.

Last up at #6 is My Sister's Place. The Washington, DC-based organization offers a full spectrum of residential assistance, ranging from emergency shelter to transitional housing. Even after they leave residency, MSP clients have access to resources such as counseling, as well as referrals to community-based services.

MSP regularly partners with the District Alliance for Safe Housing and D.C. Volunteer Lawyers Project to hold weekly walk-in clinics and support groups for victims. The organization offers training to law enforcement, clergy, and other service providers to prepare them to respond to domestic violence.