Women's Shelters
Women's Shelters
Homelessness or a sudden crisis can happen to anyone. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 2024 report, women and girls make up 39.2% of people experiencing homelessness, with many turning to women's shelters and other resources for safety and support.
When a woman is facing an unsafe situation or doesn't know where she'll sleep, even a few hours in a safe place can make all the difference. That's why The Salvation Army's women's shelters offer more than just a bed. We provide a caring environment and the comprehensive support women and their children need to begin rebuilding their lives.
Like all of our services across the country, our women's shelters programs meet people where they are.
How Our Women's Shelters Help
While specific programs vary by location, our shelters provide immediate access to basic needs alongside longer-term support services that help women regain their independence.
Emergency Shelter & Basic Needs
Emergency shelters play a critical role in helping people find safety and stability. We provide a secure, welcoming place where anyone can stay temporarily. When someone stays with us, they can expect:
- Overnight emergency accommodations and safe housing
- Warm, nutritious meals
- Clean showers and hygiene essentials
- Clothing assistance
Case Management & Counseling
No one has to face this alone. Depending on the location, residents can work closely with compassionate staff who help them create personalized plans for long-term stability. Our support includes:
- Personalized case management to overcome barriers to housing
- Mental health referrals and individual counseling
- Trauma-informed care and support groups
- Assistance with navigating and accessing public benefits
Many of our women's shelters provide holistic services for unhoused women and their families through our Pathway of Hope program.
Employment & Job Readiness
Achieving stable housing often requires stable employment. Many of our locations help residents prepare for the workforce by offering:
- Job placement assistance
- GED certification programs
- Employment counseling and workforce readiness training
At various Salvation Army women's shelter programs women can receive GED support, vocational training, employment counseling, and assistance securing jobs as part of their transition to independent living. In addition, several shelters provide a Community Corrections program for women.
Health Services & Community Referrals
We want to ensure residents stay healthy and supported. While we don't typically operate full medical clinics inside the shelters, at some locations we provide immediate assistance and help connect you with:
- Immediate medical attention for injuries
- Referrals to local healthcare clinics
- Connections to community food pantries and utility assistance
- Legal aid and transportation services
Services for Mothers & Children
Many of our shelters serve mothers with children and provide services designed to support the whole family during times of crisis. Depending on the location, this can include:
- Safe on-site childcare services
- Early childhood programming
- Children's development programs
- Therapeutic preschool services
Specialized Care for Survivors of Domestic Violence
If someone is escaping an unsafe environment, their safety is our top priority. Our domestic violence programs offer completely confidential emergency and transitional shelters. To help families heal and move forward safely, these specialized programs provide:
- Safety planning and court advocacy
- Counseling and trauma support
- Parenting classes and educational support
- Housing placement services
- Longer-term transitional housing (with some programs allowing stays of up to 120 days)
Some shelters also provide confidential services to all-gender adult survivors of domestic violence such as safety planning, help with basic needs, financial assistance, information and referral to community resources, domestic violence education, and legal advocacy. The program also offers culturally appropriate services and support for diverse populations.
Anti-Human Trafficking Support
The Salvation Army provides support for survivors of human trafficking through safe housing environments where residents can access services designed to support recovery and independence, including:
- Case management and counseling to address trauma and stabilize living situations
- Job skills training, employment support, and workforce readiness
- Life-skills classes such as financial literacy, parenting, and health education
- Computer instruction and educational support to improve long-term outcomes
A Safe Place to Land
Homelessness or a sudden crisis can happen to anyone. At The Salvation Army, our women's shelters offer much more than just a bed. We provide the comprehensive support needed to help women and their families find stability and hope.
Voices of Strength
Inspirational Stories of Resilience and Empowerment from Women Who Found Refuge in The Salvation Army's Women's Shelters.
The stories and testimonials of women who have benefited from women's shelters are truly inspiring. These women have found safety and support in their time of need and have been able to rebuild their lives after experiencing domestic violence and homelessness.
These success stories highlight the impact that women's shelters can have on the lives of women and families who need safe refuge. Through counseling, job training, childcare, and other services, women can rebuild their lives with a renewed sense of agency and independence.
Of course, the journey toward recovery is not always easy. Many women who access women's shelters may struggle with the impact of traumatic experiences related to domestic violence and homelessness. However, through counseling and other forms of support, women can process their experiences in a safe space and develop coping and healing strategies to help them move forward.
Why Supporting Women's Shelters Creates Long-Term Impact
Supporting women's shelters is one of the most effective ways to help individuals move from crisis to stability.
The Salvation Army's women's shelter services are designed to address both immediate needs and long-term recovery, helping women heal from trauma and regain independence.
How You Can Help Women Experiencing Homelessness and Crisis
If you're wondering how to help women experiencing homelessness or domestic violence, there are a few simple ways to make a real impact through The Salvation Army.
You can:
- Donate funds to support shelter, meals, and long-term recovery services
- Give essential items like clothing, hygiene products, and household goods to your local Salvation Army Women's Shelter
Even a small, consistent contribution like a monthly donation can provide ongoing stability for someone who needs it most.
volunteer_activism Serving All Without Discrimination
In providing programs and services to members of the community who are unhoused, The Salvation Army is committed to accommodating all those in need without unlawful discrimination or harassment based on age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic in accordance with our capacity to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long can I stay in a women's shelter?
A: There is no universal rule because every person's situation is different. Some emergency shelters operate night-by-night without a fixed maximum stay, while certain programs, such as our domestic violence shelters, offer temporary stays of up to 120 days.
Q: What is required for admission to the Salvation Army Women's Shelter?
A: Anyone who meets the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development criteria for homelessness is eligible for assistance from our women's shelters.
Q: Are the shelters open 24 hours a day?
A: Some shelters operate 24 hours a day. However, other locations operate overnight programs with specific check-in hours. We always recommend contacting your local shelter to confirm their exact intake times.
Q: Do you support pregnant women?
A: Yes, many of our shelter programs serve pregnant women and parents with children, providing specific prenatal support to ensure a safe environment for expecting mothers.
Q: Do you offer services for non-English speakers or have computer labs?
A: Because The Salvation Army operates locally, these services vary widely. Some residential programs offer computer access to help apply for jobs, but dedicated computer labs and bilingual interpretation services are not consistently available at every location. Please call your local center to verify.