how do women's shelters work? Do you stay in a room with other people?

Answer 1

I am a counselor for a domestic violence agency. Our shelter is a big beautiful old house in a quiet neighborhood, and you would have no idea it was a shelter if you didn't work for our agency or have lived there.

Each client gets their own room that they share with their children and everyone gets their own bed. There are cribs available for babies. The rest of the house is shared, including the three bathrooms, kitchen, livingroom, diningroom, and toy room. There is a fenced in backyard with lots of toys and a swing set for the kids. Everything is under lock and key, with a good security system and security staff on the premise 24/7. Staff keeps common areas clean and clients are suppose to clean up their messes and keep their rooms clean.

The kitchen is stocked with food and clients are free to cook for themselves at their convience or they can all cook with and for each other and sit down to meals as a "family." During the day they are free to leave and go to work, appointments, look for apartments...but no one care if they want to stay home all day and watch soaps if they need a day to veg or if it's not safe for them to leave the home. All clients have to be back in by 11pm (unless they work nights) and no guests are allowed in shelter.

Free counselors and case planning is available daily (I go over every morning to check on the clients). We assist the clients in obtaining orders of protection, custody, and basically getting their life in order. The goal is to make them self sufficient.

Most shelters around the US and Canada follow this model. Most are homes (not cots in a big room...like most people normally think of). Some are safe homes, where they are only staffed part of the day or week. And in communities where a shelter doesn't exist, D.S.S. will put the woman up in a hotel or transport her to a community where a shelter does exist.

If it is not safe or healthy for you to be in your own home I would strongly encourage you to consider going in to shelter. Most are very supportive, clean, safe, and caring enviromments. The staff is well trained and able to assist you in finding an apartment, getting counseling, finding work, daycare and anything else you may need.

Answer 2

Lots of different organisations and government agencies will provide places for women to stay who are leaving unsafe situations. AS such there is wide variation in what is provided and it may depend on whether you have children or not.

Lots provide shared hostels or houses where you would get your own bedroom but share communal facilities.
Some of them may place you in shared dorms - especially as a temporary emergency measure before they find more long term accomdation.
Other organisations may provide you with a room in someones house.
HOwever they will also provide you with other things - if not the most luxurious living conditions. You will be in a safe secure environment - you will get access to information and advice about your situation and help and support. You will also be able to talk to other people who have been in a similar situaiton as you.

It is not an easy decide to leave your life and go into a shelter but it can be the beginning of a new better and safer life.

Answer 3

I WAS IN A SHELTER AND I SHARED A ROOM WITH TWO OTHER WOMEN, IT WAS NOT SO BAD I MEAN AT THE BEGINNING YOUR GOING TO FEEL A LITTLE SCARED, BUT YOU WILL FEEL BETTER. ALSO THERE ARE CURFEWS I HAD TO BE IN BY 8:30, BUT THEY WILL MAKE AN EXCEPTION IF YOU WORK. YOU WILL HAVE TO COOK ATLEAST ONCE A WEEK AND YOU HAVE YOUR DAILY CHORES THAT NEED TO BE DONE BY A CERTAIN TIME. I KNOW IT PROBABLY DOESN'T SOUND THAT GOOD, BUT ITS A ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD AND THEY GIVE YOU THE RESOURCES TO FIND AN APARTMENT, AND TO GET YOUR LIFE TOGETHER.

Answer 4

I think most shelters have individual rooms.

If you or your child are in an abusive relationship PLEASE call the shelter every time the husband batters you (or others.) The shelter will document your calls and this will become court evidence if a divorce case is necessary.

Answer 5

Sometimes you have your own room, sometimes you stay with someone else. It just depends. Womens' shelters also take their kids, so be prepared for that.

And I wouldn't bring anything valuable if I were you. You don't know who you can trust. They also house drug addicts, alcoholics, and not just abused women.

Answer 6

Usually you have your own room but eat in same room as others