One of the many services New Hope for Women (NHFW) provides to victims of domestic violence is emergency shelter, known as a “safe home.”

Spread across four counties, safe home volunteers offer a quiet, safe environment for victims, their children, and in some instances, their pets. Pets figure into the equation since a threat of retaliation in the form of harm to the animal can be a barrier to someone who is considering leaving their situation.

Safe homes are needed for victims, victims with children, victims with pets, victims with children and pets, and sometimes only pets so the victim can go elsewhere. In addition, there’s been a need in the past for larger animals as well, particularly horses.

Safe home stays usually last one to three nights after which victims will move to a shelter, relocate out of the area, or return to their home if deemed safe to do so.

NHFW is currently looking to expand its network of volunteer-provided safe homes. Training is provided for those interested in becoming providers, and great care is taken to assure both the confidentiality of the home’s location and the safety of all.

“We’ve been safe home providers for 16 years, and it’s proved to be a great experience for my husband and me,” said a safe home provider in Lincoln County. “What has been only a small inconvenience to us has been a life changing moment to the victims and their families. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of this change.”

For more information on how you can become a safe home provider and make a difference in the lives of domestic violence victims in Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox and Waldo Counties, please visit www.newhopeforwomen.org or call Stevie Colburn at 1-800-522-3304.

New Hope for Women offers support to people in Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox and Waldo counties affected by domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. It also provides important educational resources to assist our communities in creating a safer and healthier future.