Womancare is asking local community members to open their homes to help battered women and their children. There are no shelters in Piscataquis County, so when someone in immediate physical danger needs respite and safety we are able to provide that through our network of safe homes. As you might imagine, this is a very temporary solution, since the length of a safe home stay can usually only be a few days. We are able to refer people we work with to seven other domestic abuse prevention programs who do have facilities for longer term shelter when that is the need. The time spent in a safe home allows for the victim to work with Womancare advocates to plan her next steps.

If you have a spare room or a fold out couch, you might be just the right person to fill this occasional need. Could we call you when a need presents itself? Would you consider joining our safe home provider staff? Would you be willing to attend a brief orientation about the program? No commitment is expected from those who attend the orientation. It is informational only. After you hear the information and all your questions are answered we will talk about whether you feel this might be a good fit for you and your household. The requirements are simple; compassion, willingness and an ability to maintain confidentiality.

Please call Womancare at 564-8165 to learn more and to register for the orientation.