Frequently Asked Questions

How do you define a family?

Family Shelter defines a family as at least one adult with legal custody of one child. Our typical family is a single mother with two children and is either escaping domestic violence, eviction due to underemployment, or unsafe/unsanitary living conditions. However, we accept married couples, single fathers and even grandmothers with custody of their grandchildren.

What is the length of stay for a family?

Families can reside at the Family Shelter for up to thirty days. Extensions up to a maximum of 90 days can be granted to families who follow the Family Shelter program requirements, all policies and rules. The average length of stay is 25 days.

Do you charge families rent to stay at the Family Shelter?

Families with an income are charged a program service fee to reside in the emergency shelter. The amount of the fee is based on family size. The minimum fee is $3.00 per day for families of 2-3 people. Larger families are charged an additional dollar for each family member for a maximum of $10 per day. Money from the program service fees is used to help offset the cost of food. Families participating in the transitional housing program pay rent based on their income.

What happens to the children?

Children living at the shelter are required to be enrolled in school within 48-hours of coming to the Shelter. All the schools are within walking distance of the Shelter. Family Shelter partners with other agencies to provide after-school programs and care for school-age children residing at the shelter and in the immediate community. Family Shelter does not provide on-site childcare for younger pre-school children.

What programs do you offer families?

The Family Shelter aims to meet the needs of each individual member of the family we serve. Through our housing programs, we are able to address the family’s most basic need of shelter. To further assist the family on the road to self-sufficiency, we also provide an array of adult programs, which allow the parents to gain new skills and insights. To address the specific needs of the children, we provide an after school program and various children’s programs, providing structured play and learning.