DOVE House

DOVE Center’s Shelter is a safe, short-term, confidential location for adults and their dependent children who are fleeing their own household due to domestic violence and/or sexual violence. The DOVE Shelter is a secure facility and is staffed 24/7 with trained advocates to ensure safety and security for all residing at the Shelter. Staff members are present to assist clients in navigating their current crisis, safety plan, and connect to services and resources with DOVE and within the community. Staff works with all residents at the shelter on an individual basis to assist in their action plan goals and regaining the tools necessary for self sufficiency.

Individuals in need of safe refuge are offered an initial 30-day stay at the DOVE Shelter, with the potential to extend the stay depending on the program’s availability and the residents’ unique needs. During their stay, residents are provided with all the basic necessities, including room and board, food, clothing, hygiene items, and other additional items, at no cost. We strive to provide a home-like environment for individuals staying at the Shelter.

The Shelter is licensed to accommodate up to 24 individuals. The building is approximately 4,000 square feet and contains 7 bedrooms and 4 1/2 baths; 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom are handicap accessible. A full kitchen is provided as well as living area, two laundry facilities, child playroom, and zen room. The outside area includes a play area, covered patio, two dog kennels, and a small garden area. The Shelter also includes staff office spaces, which allow DOVE to provide 24/7 advocacy, case management, and individual and group counseling services. Residents of the Shelter have the opportunity to participate in Shelter groups, including, cooking, budgeting, gardening, self-care, meditation, yoga, parenting etc.

Any survivors who are attempting to flee their household with their animals can utilize DOVE’s Safe Pets Program. DOVE staff will coordinate with community partners in order to board animals for thirty days while survivors access residential services.

The Shelter location is not disclosed to the public to protect survivor safety and confidentiality.

Coordinated Entry Access Point

DOVE Center is one of four Coordinated Entry Access Points in Washington County. Coordinated Entry is the process through which people who are experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing, homelessness can access a crisis response system in a streamlined way, have strengths and needs assessed, and be connected to appropriate, available, and tailored housing and community services. 

The intersection of domestic violence and homelessness affects many survivors, and the Coordinated Entry process helps prevent victims from returning to abusers in order to avoid homelessness.

Importance of transitional housing

While Erin’s House (see side story) provides a model for transitional housing, the need for safe, affordable housing for survivors far exceeds what DOVE is currently able to offer. DOVE’s leadership and staff are actively exploring options to expand transitional housing to meet the growing urgency to assist domestic abuse survivors and their families in Washington County.