The History of our Housing Program
SafePlace began work on creating a Housing Program in 2017 when it was seen that clients were re-entering into homelessness or shelters due to the lack of ability to gain safe housing after leaving shelter. The agency soon recognized a gap in client assistance, and a separate program with staff dedicated to meet this deficit in support for our clients was quickly established.
Since the official start of the SafePlace Housing Program in 2018, the department has undergone much positive progression as our clients' needs evolve and grow. Currently, there is new energy, organization, and vision; and the Housing Program is focused on building a solid foundation that we can expand on for years to come.
SafePlace began work on creating a Housing Program in 2017 when it was seen that clients were re-entering into homelessness or shelters due to the lack of ability to gain safe housing after leaving shelter. The agency soon recognized a gap in client assistance, and a separate program with staff dedicated to meet this deficit in support for our clients was quickly established.
Since the official start of the SafePlace Housing Program in 2018, the department has undergone much positive progression as our clients' needs evolve and grow. Currently, there is new energy, organization, and vision; and the Housing Program is focused on building a solid foundation that we can expand on for years to come.
Intersection of Housing and Domestic Violence: Why are we here?
The importance and necessity of SafePlace's Housing Program can be illustrated in these poignant statistics:
- Studies show that 57% of all homeless women report domestic violence as the immediate cause of their homelessness.
- One in four US women has experienced violence by a partner at some point in her life
- 38% of all domestic violence victims become homeless at some point in their lives.
- 56% of unmet requests from domestic violence programs were for housing.
Services:
SafePlace does not currently own property, or housing units to place survivors into. Our services are based in Case Management/Advocacy in order to work alongside survivors in their journey to gain sustainable, independent housing. We also provide limited financial assistance for services that will support survivors in obtaining housing.
The Housing Program is also working in the Housing Authority of Thurston County to provide education and support to those working with survivors of Domestic Violence.
SafePlace is able to provide wrap around supportive services to our Housing Client’s by connecting them with other SafePlace Programs to provide services for client needs such as legal advocacy, support groups, and youth advocacy.
How to enroll:
In order to access services from the Housing Program, applicants can call the 24 hour Helpline and request to complete a referral to the Housing Program. Applicants can also complete a referral during a walk-in advocacy meeting or requesting a referral from any other SafePlace program that the applicant is working with.
