To house, empower, and rejuvenate those facing the rigors of homelessness, displacement, and domestic violence.
Our two Domestic Violence shelters are almost always at 100% capacity--every crib and bed filled. Most clients at our DV shelters arrive "in flight" after law enforcement arrives at a home in the wake of a 911 call. This means these individuals have five to ten minutes to gather things before departing for the shelter--and more than half our clients arrive with small children. The needs of these clients include everything from securing the basics (shoes, clothing, diapers...) to replacing IDs, obtaining legal services, finding/maintaining employment, getting physical/mental heath care, and finding a safe place to live. Last year we delivered needed support services and over 21,000 nights of safe sleep. Happily, 99.5% of our clients last year moved into safe, sustainable housing after within 90 days of arriving. As always, every child was encouraged to take their favorite toy from the shelter playroom with them to their new home.
Our organization opened the first domestic violence shelter in Monterey County in 1978 and has since expanded to provide a continuum of shelters and services for homeless individuals and families. Since 1978 we have grown to manage 4 shelters, one medical respite center, a youth housing project for 18- to 24-year olds, a wellness program, and 44 units of permanent supportive housing for income-eligible families referred to us from the Coalition of Homeless Service Providers in Monterey. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025 we provided 52,347 bed (and crib) sleeps to clients--an increase of 6,429 nights of safe sleep from last year's reporting. As the data for Monterey County shows that 83% of the homeless in Monterey County are from Monterey County, (64% have been in the community for at least 10 years) we are truly helping our neighbors.
I was staying at a cheap hotel with my infant son due to domestic violence when I was referred to the shelter. When I entered it was very calm and the staff were very friendly. Case Management guided me even when I was discouraged over finding a place to call home. I finally found a place in less than 90 days and they offered to help with furniture and appliances. I get the keys on Friday.
- A N, Salinas
