Domestic Violence Services
S.A.F.E.’s domestic violence services focus on dealing with and preventing domestic violence. The
organization provides emergency shelter and transitional housing, 24-hour hotline and access to
services, crisis intervention, counseling, career and vocational planning, community education and
prevention programs, and training for domestic violence professionals.
Its transitional housing
facility in Hemphill is the first domestic violence shelter in the state that houses women and
their children for up to two years. Since opening its doors in 1997, the shelter - which can
accommodate up to 31 women and their children - has provided more than 44,000 nights of shelter and
88,000 meals to nearly 600 women and 500 children.
Affordable Homes
S.A.F.E. builds and renovates homes for sale and rent to low-income families and provides
low-interest loans to enable low-income families to become homeowners. In 2005 SAFE has completed
26 loans to first-time homebuyers in McDowell County with over $1.5 million in leverage funds.
In 2000, S.A.F.E. purchased the 15-acre
historic Starland Drive-In Theater outside Welch, which had closed in 1985. Starland Heights which was
completed in 2003 includes 40 townhouses for rent to low-income families, a laundromat, and community center.
In 2003 SAFE became owner and manager of 15 elderly/disabled units called Elizabeth Drewry Apartments named in
honor of the first African American female West Virginia legislator.
Economic
and Workforce Development
In January 2001, S.A.F.E., with partner Lightstone
Community Development Corporation (which supports local
entrepreneurs), formed a micro-loan fund to assist
welfare recipients and low-income individuals develop
successful businesses. As of September 2001, four
entrepreneurs had received loans.
S.A.F.E.
also employs local residents through its own
construction company. The company handles all S.A.F.E.-built
projects, including Starland Heights. S.A.F.E. plans to
add training and mentoring components to the
construction program, and recruit women as employees.
