As protocols, recommendations and closings continue to change and grow regarding the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, we’re taking steps to adapt in order to meet the needs of our clients and community-at-large. Please take time to read the following updates that Safe Harbor is implementing in order to follow health guidelines for prevention and social distancing, while also responding to the needs of survivors of domestic violence and our larger community.
1. Shelter Admissions – Our shelters are set up as community living environments and are not structured for current social distancing and quarantining recommendations. Therefore, we have temporarily moved our shelter residents into hotel stays. We plan to use hotel stays for shelter residents through the month of April 2020. This decision to move shelter residents to hotel stays was made after much deliberation and research. We are committed to taking all necessary measures for the health and safety of our clients and staff.
Starting on April 1, we will be able to admit additional clients who are fleeing domestic violence into our shelter hotel stay program on a limited basis. Anyone who may need our services should continue to call our 24/7 line at 1.800.291.2139 (and select option 1 to speak with someone) to ask questions or complete a phone intake. Our safety planning guide may also provide helpful information and resources for those who are experiencing domestic violence.
While our shelter residents are in hotel stays, we are continuing to provide 24/7 staff availability on-site of the hotel, mobile advocacy and case management, and access to all basic essential needs (food, toiletries, baby/children’s supplies, etc.).
2. Community-Based Services – We are providing our community-based services (counseling, child and family counseling, case management, assistance with Orders of Protection, and our Housing Assistance Program) via telephone and online platforms. Staff members are working with current clients and new clients to determine safe ways for individuals to connect with us remotely.
Our support groups and educational classes (domestic violence education classes and parenting classes) will also meet through online platforms during this time.
Anyone who may need our services should continue to call our 24/7 line at 1.800.291.2139 (and select option 1 to speak with someone) to complete a phone intake. Our safety planning guide may also provide helpful information and resources for those who are experiencing domestic violence.
3. Prevention – Our Prevention Team is developing REP lessons and worksheets through online platforms that can be used by our schools during this time of virtual classrooms/e-learning. If you and your teen (7th grade and up) are interested in accessing our online healthy relationship lessons, please reach out to [email protected], or click here to learn more about our prevention work.