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Women's Shelter Program Overview & History
The Women's Shelter Program (WSP) began as a grassroots volunteer run shelter in 1977. At this time domestic violence shelters or safe houses were appearing all over the United States as a grassroots movement. The WSP started by offering "safe houses" for victims of domestic violence. When it was incorporated in 1979, the concern with the need for emergency shelter was obvious in the name, which was chosen for the organization: Women's Crisis House. Soon it was realized that, as essential as crisis services were, extensive support services were also necessary in order for the victim to escape from a violent life. The realization that all clients are not in need of identical services encouraged the WSP to take a more proactive approach.
Therefore, the Women’s Crisis House changed their name to Women’s Shelter Program of San Luis Obispo County in order to reflect the expansion of these services. The Women’s Shelter Program (WSP) now has a wide range of programs available to victims of domestic violence.
The Emergency Shelter Program consists of the safe house, which provides safe shelter, food and clothing to victims and their children who are in immediate danger due to domestic violence. The Emergency Shelter Program also offers counseling to women and children, advocacy with legal services and social service organizations, and case management in order to help the residents establish violence-free and self-sufficient lives after they leave the Emergency Shelter. The WSP realizes that men are also victims of intimate partner violence. Procedures have been developed to provide safety for male clients who call for assistance.
Other support services include The Center for Alternatives to Domestic Violence (CADV). The San Luis Obispo counseling center opened in 1992 to meet the need of continuing counseling for victims of domestic violence and their children who witness violence or are abused. Our South County site opened a few years later to further serve this population in the five cities area. Each site offers individual and group counseling to men and women affected by domestic violence as well as children and teen victims of child abuse. Counseling is also offered to children and teens at several schools throughout the county. CADV offers several women’s groups including drop-in, pattern changing, Spanish speaking and LGBTQ for victims of domestic violence. CADV accepts Victims of Crime (VCP) funds.
The Legal Program has evolved over time. The Legal Services Coordinator helps fill out the right paperwork for Temporary Restraining Orders, provides court accompaniment, referrals, and information on how to navigate the complicated court system. For a domestic violence victim having a person to provide emotional support can alleviate the fears that filing for a Restraining Order can bring.
The Transitional Housing (Marianne Court) Program started in January 2002 in response to the shortage of housing in San Luis Obispo County. The WSP acquired a 6-unit apartment complex with 1 to 3 bedroom units. We also have limited Transitional Housing in South County. The 6 to 24 month program for Transitional Housing is client centered for low or very low-income families who are homeless and in need of transitional housing as a result of fleeing an intimate partner/ domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking situation. All units are non-smoking, firearms free, drug and alcohol free, restraining order preferred and partially furnished.
The CHAT (Child Abuse Treatment) grant was received in 2000. The WSP volunteers and staff know first hand the effects of abuse on children. Even if children are not the primary victims, they are victims in their own right. Through the CHAT grant the WSP is able to provide counseling and supportive services to children who have been abused ages 3 to 17.
The WSP’s Outreach and Education Program seeks to educate the public about intimate partner violence and provide preventative resources to end the intergenerational cycle of violence and abuse. Activities include “Beat the Punch” violence prevention media campaign, participation in local outreach events and presentations to local schools, agencies and community groups.
Volunteer are the lifeblood of the WSP and its services. Specifically, volunteers comprise over 50% of the labor required for carrying out needed agency services to domestic violence victims. Volunteers assist in various capacities such as responding to crisis calls, providing childcare, and assisting in fundraising activities. Without the generous contributions of such volunteers, the WSP would not be the successful, viable agency that it is today.
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