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What is a Safe Home Network?
The Network/La Red's Safe Home Network is made up of volunteer
homes that address the immediate safety needs of lesbians,
bisexual women, and transgender folks fleeing abusive partners.
Safe Homes provide a 1-14 night stay to allow LBT folks breathing
space, time, and a safe place to develop the best plan for
where to go next.
What is my role as a safe home provider?
- As a safe home provider, you will be a vital link in
the journey toward safety for members of our communities
who are fleeing domestic abuse.
- For some folks who stay in a safe home, the plan maybe
to find long-term shelter. For others it is to move into
permanent housing, and for still others it is to return
home. The time provided by a safe home stay allows guests
the space, support and power to decide what's best for
them.
- Whether it's a spare room, an extra bed, or a sleeper
sofa, whether you can accommodate a single person or someone
with 5 kids-whatever space you can volunteer will be a
safe haven for someone fleeing abuse.
- Wheelchair-accessible and de-leaded spaces as well as
those able to accept pets are especially needed.
- We are flexible with the length of time you can make
your home available. The minimum commitment we ask for
is 5 safe home stays.
- You provide emotional support, a safe environment and
meals. The Network/La Red staff will work with the person
during the day on their immediate needs and future plans.
Will safe homing be disruptive to my life?
- Although it is a commitment we hope you will take seriously,
it doesn't need to consume your life. The Network/La Red
does all the advocacy; you can do what you need to day-to-day.
- You have the final say in when and how often you are
available to safe home.
How do I know I will be safe?
- When working on domestic violence, there is always an
element of danger. However, the Network works to ensure
strict confidentiality for our safe home providers. In
fact, we don't even want you to tell your friends that
you are a safe home provider.
- We make sure safe home guests have no connections to
your geographical area, and guests agree to never tell
anyone where they are going.
How do you decide who stays with me?
- When someone calls our hotline looking for shelter we
learn about their situation, where they and their abuser
live and hang out, as well as immediate safety concerns.
This information helps us decide the best place for shelter.
- The staff also screens for batterers who may be posing
as victims.
What kind of training and support does The Network/La Red
provide?
- The Network/La Red provides an initial 35-hour training.
- Volunteer meeting once a month for supervision and in-service
training.
- Daily check-in and 24-hour access to support staff when
someone is staying with you.
- The Network/La Red staff will work with the person during
the day on their immediate needs and future plans.
- Stipend to cover expenses related to sheltering.
All volunteers of The Network/La Red participate in our
free training program. Aside from discussing the dynamics
of GLBT domestic violence, the training covers issues such
as confronting oppression, crisis intervention, and counseling
skills.
Fill out a safe
home volunteer application today.
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