Geography: United States
Founded: 1979
Address:PO Box 457
Rochester, MN 55903
About Women's Shelter
Women's Shelter, Inc. was started by and has been sustained by survivors of domestic abuse. It began in the late 1970’s as a task force by three survivors and the Rochester Chapter of NOW who were determined to give other abused women something they didn't have: a safe and secure place to live and help in learning how to live independently. Over the years, Women's Shelter, Inc. has expanded to provide more space to safely house women and children.
In addition, Women's Shelter, Inc. has added children's advocacy, an International Shelter with programming specific to immigrant battered women and their children, Transitional Housing, and a multi-lingual staff. Women's Shelter, Inc. continues to grow and adapt to the needs of their community while following their mission and vision for a domestic violence-free future.
In 2011, they housed 274 women and 202 children, for a total of 476 people assisted in both their International Shelter and Main Shelter programs. The average length of stay for women was about 30 days, though many families stay longer depending on their needs. They could not house 396 women due to lack of space, however those women were offered other services such as Orders for Protection and Safety Planning. Their facilities serve a great diversity of women and children. Their families come from many different ethnic, socio-economic, and religious backgrounds.
They have served families from around the world, due to our close proximity to the Mayo Clinic. Domestic Violence can happen to anyone regardless of their educational background, financial status, race, or country of origin.