If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence please call our Crisis Line at 818-887-6589

30-Day Crisis Shelter

Some situations are so lethal that a safe escape is the only answer. Haven Hills offers a confidential refuge for battered women and their children to break away, reassess, and begin rebuilding their lives. Besides a safe haven with food and clothing for 30-days, our shelter provides essential support services including:

Counseling, support and advocacy
Legal and medical referrals
Safety plan development
Counseling and support groups
Children's counseling programs
On-site schooling with K-12 instruction

Haven Hills stff members help women evaluate their options and future plans, enabling them to begin the process of living independent, violence-free lives.

In 2009, Crisis Shelter clients included:

102 Women
216 Children

After completion of the 30-day program, participants are eligible for the 18-month transitional housing and the employment program, Haven Two.

Mike's Story

"Hi. My name is Michael. 25 years ago, you helped my mother (and me and my sister). I've appreciated the services you've offered and have upon countless times wondered how different our lives would have turned out if we didn't have the safe haven that you offered. Fortunately, we've come a long way since then and I can honestly say that when I look at our family that you gave us something truly invaluable -- peace -- and there isn't a year that goes by that I don't reflect upon this and recall how bad it was at the time and the journey that we took to get where we are today. I was only 12 at the time, but my experience at the shelter made a great impact in my life and my family."

Success Story

Rachel was 32 years old when she and her three children ages 10, 7, and 2 came to the shelter. She had worked at a minimum wage job to help put her husband through school with the hope that she would have her turn. That didn't happen. He grew abusive toward her and repeatedly told her she was stupid. She rationalized that he was under stress from school and she tried to make things easy and calm for him. The physical abuse escalated. When she found herself pregnant, he was furious and demanded she get an abortion, which was against her religious beliefs. The physical abuse continued to escalate, and he sabotaged any attempt she made to go to school. Finances were tight even though he now had a good job. Rachel discovered he had a girlfriend whom he was also supporting.

Rachel called the crisis line after a violent episode and she and her children were directed to the shelter. She learned what her options were, had a chance to think, and received support for the next steps she chose to take. She and her children are now involved in the transitional housing and employment program. Rachel is enrolled in school and on her way to realizing her dream. They are all in therapy to heal the wounds caused by years of abuse.