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 few nights 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 advocacy during the day with the survivor, so there is no need for a volunteer to be home all day with the survivor. 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/La Red 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 initial 40-hour training. Volunteer meeting is once a month for supervision and in-service training. While someone is staying with you there are daily check-ins and 24-hour access to support staff. The Network/La Red staff will work with the person during the day on their immediate needs and future plans. There is also a 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 LGBT partner abuse, the training covers issues such as confronting oppression, crisis intervention, and counseling skills.

Fill out a safe home volunteer application today.