Counseling and Support

According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, “Domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness for women and their children. More than 90 percent of homeless women experience severe physical or sexual abuse at some point in their lives, and 63 percent have been victims of domestic or sexual violence. Although safe housing can provide a pathway to freedom, there are many barriers that prevent survivors from obtaining safe and affordable housing. The majority of survivors experience financial abuse, meaning that they have not had access to the family finances, have been prohibited from working, or have had their credit score destroyed by the abusive partner. Victims may also face discrimination in accessing or maintaining housing based on the violent or criminal actions of perpetrators.”

Our shelter will provide a safe, secure and confidential refuge for up to 30 days. We will strive to make the transition to our non-violent, supportive environment as seamless as possible. We believe in the right of all persons to live without fear, abuse, oppression and violence. We recognize the strength and courage it takes to begin the process of healing from all types of abuse, including physical, psychological, sexual, economic, and spiritual. In order to heal, we provide survivors an opportunity to experience a safe, secure, and supportive environment to regain their personal strength and restore their live.

The staff and volunteers at the Hidden Gem Family Center are committed to a culture of kindness that puts compassion into practice in the following ways:

• We listen to survivors to identify and address fears and apprehensions.
• We communicate in a respectful manner that is free of victim blaming.
• We work cooperatively to identify the survivors’ immediate needs and encourage the utilization of personal strengths to overcome obstacles.
• We empower survivors to make informed personal choices by offering education, options, and resources.
• We promote non-violent solutions when interpersonal problems arise.
• We model healthy relationships by respecting boundaries and the inherent right of self-determination.
• With a guiding vision of empowerment, we acknowledge that survivors are the experts of their own lives. Therefore, at the Hidden Gem Family Center, we strive to facilitate the journey from surviving to thriving.

The Temporary Housing Program is for one month with assistance and classes provided and the Transitional Housing program will provide housing for a maximum of 6 months. Resources for rental assistance to those who have housing and services to meet their needs will be provided. We aim to assist survivors with their personal, economic and housing goals by providing resources for financial assistance to secure and maintain stable and safe housing, and time to heal. We offer advocacy, emotional support, referrals for practical resources such as furnishings, and assistance gaining economic stability through education, employment and/or applying for public assistance. Our goal is to equip each survivor and their family with education and support to be able to step out on their own and provide a safe and financially stable home.

The Hidden Gem Family Center is in the process of raising funds to purchase a building in town that will be used for additional services as well as a temporary homeless shelter/housing. This would include space for approximately 10 women and families at a time where showers, hot meals, a place to sleep and assistance with relocation to a permanent housing will be provided.