A Confidential, Low-Barrier Domestic Violence Shelter
Our shelter is a temporary space for people experiencing domestic violence to stay. The location of the shelter is confidential.
We welcome survivors of all genders, individuals, parents with children, people with disabilities, and people who are bringing pets.
You do not need to be sober or substance-free to stay here. We use a harm-reduction model, which means we focus on safety and support. We only ask that people do not use substances in the shelter.
If you want to talk about whether shelter is right for you, call our free, confidential 24/7 Helpline anytime: 1.800.863.9909.
Take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions section below or download them (if safe) here.
What Our Shelter Is Like
Our shelter is a big, warm home with six bedrooms and 17 beds. In FY24, we provided 2,722 nights of safety to 98 people, including 24 children.
The shelter includes:
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Private bedrooms for each family. We sometimes ask two single adults to share a room, depending on space.
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An ADA-accessible bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living space
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Pet-friendly and pet-free areas
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A children’s room for play and activities
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A fenced yard and shared kitchen and living rooms
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A food pantry with items for both families and pets
Life in shelter can be busy because many families may be staying at once, but it is a safe place to rest and make a plan.
Help and Support While You Stay
Our advocates can help you with:
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Safety planning
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Housing searches and applications
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Applying for state benefits, healthcare, and childcare
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Emotional support
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Parenting help and children’s activities
Our goal is to support you in finding safe, stable housing.
Pet-Friendly Shelter
You should never have to choose between your safety and your pet.
Many people stay in dangerous situations because they cannot leave their pets behind. That’s why our shelter is fully Pet-Friendly. We work with community partners to help care for pets, and we provide pet food and supplies while you are here.
We also have both pet-friendly and pet-free areas so everyone can stay comfortably.
Is Shelter a Good Fit for Me?
Shelter may be a good choice if you:
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Need a safe place right now
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Feel okay sharing space with other families
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Want help making a plan or finding housing
If shelter isn’t right for you, we will work with you to find another safe option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible to stay in your shelter?
A: Individuals and families who are experiencing domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or related safety concerns and who need a safe place to stay. If shelter is not a safe option, we can help connect people with other housing and community resources.
Q: Where is your shelter?
A: Our shelter is located at a confidential location in the greater Bangor area. The address is not shared publicly to protect the safety and privacy of guests.
Q: Can I bring my pets?
A: Yes. Our shelter is fully pet friendly because we understand the connection between domestic violence and animal abuse. We believe survivors should not have to choose between their safety and the safety of their pets.
Q: Is your shelter staffed 24/7?
A: No. Staff are present during regular business hours. However, support is available 24 hours a day through our Helpline at 1-800-863-9909. We also utilize security systems and safety protocols to support shelter security.
Q: Do you only serve women and children?
A: No. We provide services and shelter to survivors of all genders.
Q: Do you do criminal background checks?
A: No. We do not conduct criminal background checks as a condition of shelter access.
Q: Do I need identification, proof of income, or other documents to stay in shelter?
A: No. We strive to reduce barriers to safety and do not require documentation for admission.
Q: How big is your shelter?
A: Our shelter is a 17-bed, six-bedroom facility. Families are not required to share bedrooms with individuals outside of their household. We sometimes ask single adults to share a bedroom with one other adult, depending on space.
Q: Do you allow people with mental health conditions in shelter?
A: Yes. Many survivors experience mental health challenges, often as a result of trauma and abuse. While we are not a clinical facility, we help connect survivors with community-based mental health resources and supports.
Q: Do guests need to be sober while staying in shelter?
A: No. We use a harm reduction approach and recognize that survivors may be at different stages of their relationship with substances. Substance use is not a barrier to shelter access. However, alcohol, illegal substances, and paraphernalia are not permitted on shelter property, and guests are expected to follow shelter safety guidelines.
Q: Can an unaccompanied minor stay in shelter?
A: Generally, minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian unless they are legally emancipated or other special circumstances apply.
Q: What is Housing First?
A: Housing First is an evidence-based approach that prioritizes helping people access safe housing as quickly as possible without requiring sobriety, treatment participation, employment, or other preconditions. Services are voluntary and tailored to each person’s needs.
Q: Can you help me if I am staying somewhere else?
A: Yes. You do not need to stay in our shelter to receive services. We regularly support survivors who are living in homeless shelters, transitional housing programs, motels, with friends or family, in their own homes, or who are unsheltered.
Q: What if your shelter is full?
A: We will work with you to explore other options, including safety planning, housing resources, referrals, and other support available in the community.
Q: Are your services confidential?
A: Yes. Protecting the privacy and safety of survivors is a core part of our work. Information is only shared when required by law, such as mandated reporting of child abuse, or when a survivor provides permission.
Learn More
If you want to talk through your choices or learn more about our shelter, call our helpline anytime:
1.800.863.9909
You don’t have to make these decisions alone. We’re here to help.