Safe Haven
Safe Haven believes that domestic violence is rooted deep within our culture. It originates from within the same social fabric of institutional oppression, which spawns racism, ageism, sexism, heterosexism, cissexism, classism, religious bigotry, and discrimination against people who have disabilities. We seek to strike a balance between offering services to diverse victims while working toward the erosion of the cultural facilitators. We are committed to providing shelter, safety, and advocacy for individual victims and survivors of domestic violence. At the same time, we understand the necessity of action to move toward the elimination of social oppression of women and gender minorities.
We recognize that every person carries the cultural seed out of which oppression rises. We believe that each of us, as individuals, must take responsibility to look within ourselves to identify our attachment to beliefs and values which justify another’s oppression. We believe that change must start there, within ourselves.
Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, affectional orientation or gender identity, political affiliation, marital status, status concerning public assistance, disability, or age in the delivery of services or employment practices. Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center in Duluth, Minnesota provides services to women, children, and all survivors whose lives have been affected by physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse. Some women who use our services are in physical danger. Others are living with controlling partners in relationships that are emotionally abusive. Safety, security, and the space to heal. Our emergency shelter is an environment that nurtures hope.
Giving to Those With Nothing
Survivors come to us with nothing, we start by giving them hope. The primary purpose of the shelter facility is to provide shelter, food, and safety in a supportive environment to individuals and families who have been abused. Services include; temporary emergency shelter for anyone who identifies as a woman or nonbinary person, as well as survivors’ children and pets, advocacy, daily meals, parenting assistance, safety planning, 911 phones, and transportation assistance groups.
The goal of the Self-Sufficiency Program is to empower victims and survivors of domestic violence to gain independence and autonomy by assisting with four basic needs: employment, housing, education, and childcare. We offer information and assistance in obtaining affordable housing, public benefits, and scholarships. The Self-Sufficiency Program also offers a weekly Educational Empowerment session on Thursdays from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Resource Center. Participants work toward self-determined goals – including studying for the GED, college placement exams, or college classes; creating a resume and applying for jobs; exploring schooling options… Tutors and support staff are here to work one-on-one or in a small group.
Stepping On Up
Safe Haven supports the Stepping On Up proposal as an innovative idea designed to change the progression of homelessness in our community. This three-phase plan addresses the needs of those experiencing homelessness by meeting people where they are at in a dignified and sustainable way. This program is designed to be a fluid system that utilizes existing community resources more efficiently and benefits the people we are serving in a way that builds strength in individuals and strength in the community.
Safe Haven 414 W. 1st St.Duluth, MN 55802 218-728-6481 www.safehavenshelter.org