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How do I get into the shelter?
Every survivor is asked to go through a screening process before coming into the shelter. Screenings for the shelter are usually done through the crisis line, occasionally screenings can be done at the Shelter. Please call 1-800-874-5936 or 517-265-6776 if you need shelter. Who can stay at the shelter? If you have experienced domestic violence and sexual assault, you and your children may be eligible to stay at the shelter. If you are a child (under 18) without a parent, you cannot stay at the shelter, but staff will help you find another place to stay. Emancipated minors are welcome to stay at our shelter. Survivors entering the shelter will need to live peacefully with a diverse variety of individuals who may differ in their beliefs, values and goals. For safety reasons, guests may not visit residents on-site. You may meet on-site though with other service providers that you are working with including, CPS, Head Start, Early On, etc. What about children? Children are welcome at the shelter. We have special programs and activities for children in our shelter. They go to school, receive counseling, and are offered a variety of respite activities (going to the waterpark, a ball game, a playground, etc.). Our Children’s Program Advocate meets with all moms to assess each child’s needs and develops a plan to get them met. What can I bring to the shelter? Due to the limited space in our bedrooms and the lack of storage space, clients are asked to limit what they bring. If you have time and it’s safe to do so, you are encouraged to bring your ID, birth certificates and social security cards for you and your children and any other legal documents you have (IE: divorce, custody). Staff can provide resources and help develop a plan to keep the rest of your belongings safe while living in the shelter. |
If you or someone you know needs help please call 1-800-874-5936 or 517-265-6776.
What is provided at the shelter?
The shelter is a communal living environment. Residents are asked to help with daily housekeeping tasks. Food, clothing and personal items are available to all residents. Residents work with a case manager to achieve individualized goals that help move them out of crisis situations. There are a variety of group offerings to provide both support and information on meeting basic needs. Legal Advocates are available to assist with Personal Protection Orders, court accompaniment and safety planning. Legal Aid services are also available to those who need legal representation. Some transportation is available for business and medical appointments. How long can I stay? Our Program is designed to offer survivors the support and education needed to achieve the goals that have been set with your case manager. We understand that everyone’s goals are different, and your ability to accomplish them differs from everyone else as well. With that in mind, our average length of stay is 28 days. Some women will be able to accomplish their goals within that time frame and others will have just begun the healing process. Your length of stay is directly related to the work that you are doing to accomplish your goals. It is extremely important that you and your case manager are meeting at least weekly to discuss your progress and barriers. The more she knows about your case the better she is able to help you find resources to meet your goals – and the better she is able to advocate for your continued stay in our program. What if the shelter is full? When the shelter is full, staff will help you find another place to stay. |
