Safe Place Shelter

Safe Place Shelter is a shared community where survivors and their families can focus on safety and healing. We provide survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and inclusive support that honors each survivor’s choices, experiences, and goals while helping survivors build on their strengths and connect with resources that support long-term safety and well-being.

What You Can Expect From Us

• Survivor-centered, nonjudgmental support for you and your children.
• Assistance with basic needs, including food, laundry, personal items, and cleaning supplies.
• Advocacy, safety planning, resources, and referrals based on your goals.
• Support in making informed decisions—we will never make decisions for you.
• Ongoing support from shelter staff and a dedicated advocate throughout your stay.

Community Expectations

To help maintain a safe and supportive environment, we ask residents to:

• Treat others with respect and refrain from abusive or threatening behavior.
• Help keep the shelter safe by not bringing weapons, drugs, or other unsafe items into shelter.
• Respect the privacy and confidentiality of other residents.
• Keep the shelter location confidential and refrain from inviting visitors.
• Help maintain clean and welcoming personal and shared living spaces.
• Communicate with staff about overnight absences or plans to leave shelter.
• Supervise children and partner with staff to support their safety and well-being.

Who can use Safe Place Shelter services?

Safe Place Shelter serves adults and children seeking safety from domestic violence, stalking, and other forms of interpersonal violence. Services are available to MSU students, faculty, staff, and community members in Ingham County.

Can I receive support if I am not ready or do not need to stay in shelter?

Yes. You do not have to stay in shelter to receive support. Advocates can help with safety planning, resources, referrals, therapy, support groups, and other services based on your needs.

Do I need to leave my relationship to receive services?

No. You do not need to leave a relationship or make any specific decisions to receive support. Advocates are available to provide information, safety planning, resources, and support regardless of your situation.

What if I am not sure whether what I am experiencing is abuse?

You do not need to have all the answers before reaching out. An advocate can listen, discuss your concerns, and help you explore options in a confidential and supportive environment.

Is there a cost to stay at the shelter?

No. Shelter and advocacy services are provided at no cost to survivors.

Can I bring my children with me?

Yes. Safe Place Shelter welcomes survivors with children and works to support the needs of families.

Can I bring my pets?

We understand that pets are important family members. Shelter staff can discuss available options and community resources to help support the safety and care of your pets while you are in shelter.

What should I bring if I come to shelter?

If it is safe to do so, you may bring identification, medications, important documents, clothing, and personal items. However, do not delay seeking safety if you are unable to gather these items. Staff can help you identify resources and address immediate needs.

How long can I stay at the shelter?

Length of stay varies based on individual circumstances, availability of housing resources, and ongoing safety needs. Staff will work with you to develop a plan that supports your goals and next steps.

Is food provided?

Yes. Residents have access to food and basic household supplies. Staff can also help address dietary needs and connect residents with additional resources when available.

Is the shelter location confidential?

Yes. To help protect the safety of residents, shelter locations and information about how to access the shelter are kept confidential.

Will my information be kept confidential?

Yes. We are committed to protecting your privacy and confidentiality. Information is only shared in limited circumstances required by law or when safety concerns exist.

Are shelter services accessible for people with disabilities?

We strive to make our services accessible and welcoming to all survivors. Please let us know about any accommodations or accessibility needs so we can support you.

Do you offer language assistance?

Yes. Free interpreter services are available by phone, video, or in person. Written materials may also be available in multiple languages.

Can men receive shelter or advocacy services?

Yes. The Center for Survivors and Safe Place Shelter provide services to survivors of interpersonal violence regardless of gender identity or expression.

What happens after I leave shelter?

Advocates can help connect you with ongoing support services, housing resources, counseling, support groups, legal advocacy, and other community resources to support your continued safety and well-being.