“Going into shelter was the hardest thing for me to do but I had to do it. I was there for quite a while and they worked with me until I felt I was safe and ready to face the world without my abuser. I tell everyone about the domestic violence information I learned there. I would definitely refer other victims. THANK YOU Willow. I am now safe and DV (domestic violence) free.”
To access shelter, call our 24/7 Hotline at (585) 222-SAFE.
Our 49-bed emergency shelter provides safe housing for survivors of domestic violence and their children. The shelter offers a safe and nurturing environment where survivors can find refuge and spend time healing as they move toward freedom from domestic violence.
Willow Center is the only licensed domestic violence shelter in Monroe County. Each year we provide a safe haven for over 300 adults and 250 children. While in shelter, our compassionate staff members are dedicated to helping survivors with a wide range of needs, including counseling, medical care, assistance with practical concerns including finding a job or place to live, and referrals for help with food, clothing, and child care. Medical staff come onsite to assist residents with medical needs.
Who can stay at Willow?
Adults of any gender and their dependent children who are victims of physical, verbal, psychological, sexual, economic, or threatened abuse by the person with whom they live or have lived in the past are candidates for shelter. It is not required that the victim be residing with the abuser at the time of the incident.
Residents of any age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, nationality and socioeconomic status are eligible to use shelter services. Emancipated youth age 16 and up may stay at Willow as adults. Children ages newborn to 18 may stay with their parent or guardian (and up to age 21 for youth with special needs). Willow staff work with area school districts to coordinate educational services for each child staying in shelter. All children and youth are invited to participate in our Children’s Program.
If our shelter is full, our Hotline advocates will assist you in finding a safe alternative place to stay until a bed is available at Willow.
What to Expect in Shelter
Our shelter has 49 beds configured in rooms with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 beds, to accommodate individuals and families. Individuals may share a room with multiple beds. Our shelter has communal living, dining, bathroom and recreation areas along with separate areas for staff to meet privately with residents. Residents share cooking and cleaning responsibilities and are encouraged to attend groups at various times during the week. Children’s programming is also available for infants and toddlers through pre-teens and adolescents.
Willow Center’s Emergency Shelter staff provides Safety Planning, Counseling, information on our Court Advocacy Program, access to Support Groups, and assistance and planning for each survivor’s future post-shelter.
How long can I stay?
The average length of stay at Willow is three to four weeks.
All services are at no cost to the individuals or families and are confidential.
