DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
EMERGENCY SHELTERS
Community Homeless Solutions operates two emergency shelters at confidential locations in the cities of Marina and Salinas. Our shelters serve single women, women with children, and men who are victims of domestic violence. (Homeless people are also served when there is availability.)
Sixteen beds are available at the Hamilton House in Marina while the Natividad shelter in Salinas provides 32 beds. Both shelters operate 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Stays at both shelters range from 30 to 90 days. A domestic violence/crisis hotline is maintained by shelter staff who respond to emergency calls 24 hours per day.
How do we help? The shelters offer comprehensive services to assist survivors/victims on their path towards self-sufficiency and becoming empowered to move forward from the immediate crises in their lives. Our trained Bilingual Program manager and Domestic Violence Advocates manage two 24-hour crisis lines and provide assistance in overcoming the physical and emotional trauma they have endured in order to regain and maintain long term safety, stability and self-sufficiency. Natividad and Hamilton DV shelters always prioritize the safety and comfort of all guests. Additionally, both shelters provide the following support and services:
ADVOCACY
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Advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, and guest referrals to local agencies and other relevant services, social services assistance
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Legal advocacy
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Emotional support and information during criminal justice procedures. Our staff accompany our guests to court and police/ prosecutor interviews if requested
COUNSELING
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Counseling for adults and children helping to break the cycle of violence through the provision of trauma informed services
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Prevention education
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Case management and navigation assistance
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Employment assistance
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Financial coaching
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Life skills development
SERVICES
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Toiletries, clothing
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Nutritional food
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Transportation
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Art therapy
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Interpreter services
REFERRALS
Referrals to our emergency shelters may be made by anyone, including self-referrals. However, the person being referred must speak with one of our staff for an initial phone intake, after which, an “in-person” interview will be scheduled and the applicant may be admitted at that time. People fleeing domestic violence will be prioritized and contact will be initiated by the law enforcement official reporting the crime. They will accompany the victim to one of our confidential locations with their police report.
Donations from the Community will help our participants start their path to a new life & help our non-profit organization by cutting costs for frequently needed items. Your contribution matters.
Frequently Needed Items:
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pillows
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towels
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furniture
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socks
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board games & craft supplies
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hygiene
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toothbrushes for kids and adults
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kitchen supplies
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clothing for kids and adults
WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?
Domestic violence, also known as "domestic abuse", can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone. Incidents are rarely isolated and usually escalate in frequency and severity. Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, or gender.
"I am currently staying at Natividad Women Shelter for Domestic Violence. I am a victim of domestic violence. Before I arrived here, I was staying in my car with my 6 children, due to my husband abandoning us and beating me and my children and traumatizing them. I was unaware of the abuse he was giving my children until he left us, and the kids told me. After finding out all he did and was doing to them I filed a restraining order against him and took him to court he was arrested and sent to jail for 5 months. Do to all the abuse and trauma he gave me kids and my kids have hard time sleeping and they are all in therapy and counseling. I needed help and came across the Natividad Shelter. I arrived here on 2/7/19 and have been here ever since. When we first arrived I was welcomed with open arms. The shelter and the Case Manager have helped me and my kids so much. They have provided resources for me and my kids and have helped me also with applying for housing, section 8, welfare, food stamps. She has been there for me the whole way through and the staff has been so supportive and helpful with anything I have needed and any questions I have, she is always there for me. She is also the reason my kids are in therapy right now and why I am finally getting the help I need. The shelter has been live saving and changing for me and my family. My kids feel safe and so do I and we don’t have to sleep in our car anymore. They helped me with food and clothing for me and my kids when we first arrived, and I am thankful to the case manager and the staff for everything they do for helping me and my kids through all of this. No words can explain how thankful I am to have found a place like the Natividad Shelter. They have activities for the kids and the mothers every Friday and this brings a piece of normal to me and my family. My kids laugh and have enjoyed the time they have been here regardless of what brought us to the shelter. I want to thank my Case Manager Rosie, and the staff for everything they have done for us and treating us like family."
— Y.R.'s Story