This post is part of our COVID-19 Response series to provide regular updates on services for survivors during this public health crisis.

“We understand that this is a difficult time for all folks in our community. We first and foremost want you to know that we are here for you, our doors are open, and we are not going anywhere.”

We would like to start this week’s update with a sincere and huge thank you to our state and local leadership and community partners. The information we are receiving from leadership informs us how to make the best decisions when it comes to survivors and how we continue to serve them.

“It is during times like these that we realize that the world is really small and that people do truly care for one another.” 

Our shelter is still open. We are adapting in order to best serve survivors, while also keeping both our staff and residents as safe as possible. We are currently scheduling advocates 5 days on and 10 days off to ensure that if either a staff or resident becomes unwell, we will be able to continue services to the best of our abilities.

We are currently taking care of 42 women and children at this time, and half of those, around 20, are children. The majority of children are school age, so we are wrapping much support around them, as well including loads of outdoor play and education groups to ensure that homework is continuing to be completed.

“Our 24-hour crisis line is still being answered 24 hours a day by advocates.”

If you have any questions, if you feel alone or uncertain, please reach out. Our number is 800-544-2022.

The most significant recent change to services is related to courts. As of last week, we were going to courts and attending protective order hearings. Even though general attendance was restricted, we were considered essential to those hearings. What we are hearing from some our judges is that more social distancing measures are being put into place as a part of COVID-19 safety protocols.

We are learning more about these changes. If you have questions in the meantime–if you have filed a protective order, if you’ve been given a hearing date, if you need to know if you’ll be allowed to have an advocate with you in the court room–please call our crisis hotline for up-to-date information.

“Please know that our hearts and thoughts are with all of those who’ve been affected by COVID-19.”

We are blessed and appreciating health, but we are knowledgeable that it is around us and understand it is our duty to care for one another. Special thanks and gratitude to those who are on the front lines day in and day out. We wish you all good health and well-being.