For many of us, our home is the safest place we know, a personal sanctuary where we can retreat and relax. For survivors of domestic violence, though, their homes are not havens. Their homes are cocoons of fear. To escape the abuse, women and men, and their children, need a comprehensive program of education, therapy and counseling, court advocacy, and above all, a secure environment.

They need A Safe Place.

Our residential program is the only emergency shelter for domestic violence in Jefferson County. Serving the greater St. Louis area and surrounding counties, A Safe Place provides services to meet the immediate needs of domestic violence survivors including physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, psychological, or the destruction of property or pets.

While staying at A Safe Place, survivors learn to break the cycle of violence through individual counseling, support groups, education, and comprehensive parenting, fitness, and wellness programs. Over time and through work with a variety of providers,residents replace their feelings of dependency with self-sufficiency. They learn to build their self-esteem, and work on assertiveness, communication and decision-making skills. They receive assistance with nutrition, budgeting, housing options, job searches, and career planning, in addition to full primary care, dental care, and mental health services. Because every resident is unique, we offer individualized plans that coordinate all services, providing the optimal opportunity for each person to be restored to wholeness.

Adults aren’t the only victims of domestic violence. Children who grow up in abusive homes frequently learn violence as an acceptable means of resolving conflict and exerting control. These children are more likely to become victims or perpetrators as adults. A Safe Place offers assistance to these youngest survivors through counseling, recreational activities, child play therapy, and art therapy. A Safe Place also offers a Pet Protection Program to ensure domestic animal safety.

A Safe Place empowers residents and their children to rise above the pain of domestic abuse and begin a new, safer and healthier life, where they can transform from victim to survivor.

Why is the project called Mary’s House of Hope?
Mary Daniels was a woman from Hillsboro killed by her estranged husband in 2010. Mary’s family, friends, and supporters have raised over $100,000 for this project.   

Who will manage the facility?
Compass Health Network will own and manage the facility. Mary’s House of Hope is being constructed on property adjacent to Compass Health Network’s A Safe Place.

How much is needed to complete the entire project?
$3.5 million

How many housing units will Mary’s House of Hope at A Safe Place Provide?
Each house consists of four units (one 1-bedroom unit, two 2-bedroom units, and one 3-bedroom unit). When all three houses are completed, there will be three 1-bedroom units, six 2-bedroom units, and three 3-bedroom units (total of 12 units). In addition, there will be three multipurpose rooms. A playground is adjacent to the housing facilities.

How long will a family reside in transitional housing?
A family can remain in a unit for up to two years. Residents will receive an individualized plan of action towards sustainable living, with staff oversight on measurable progress.

How will donors be recognized?
Donor recognition levels range from $1 to over $250,000. Donors will be acknowledged on COMTREA’s virtual donor wall. Additional donor recognition is dependent on amount of gift. 

What is the project timeline?
The first housing complex is completed and we are continuing the campaign to raise funds for the remaining two units.

Is my donation tax deductible?
We are a tax exempt 501(C)3 organization and contributions are deductible to the extent of the law (please consult advisor).

What is the Circle of Hope?
Our Circle of Hope program supports sustainable funding of Mary’s House of Hope. These homes will continue to give hope far into the future. As each woman moves on to her own house, empowered and able to sustain herself and her family, the unit will be refreshed for another survivor looking to secure their independence.  

Many effects of the 2020 pandemic are yet to be seen. The shelter in place orders given to protect society as a whole have only increased household tensions, especially those living with a violent partner or family member. 

A Safe Place emergency shelter is now expecting a second surge; a surge of victims seeking shelter from abusers they have been locked down with during the past year.

The current lack of affordable housing offered in our area brings devastating consequences for those fleeing violent living conditions. Mary’s House of Hope will be on the forefront of the expected surge as we take next steps to build a second transitional housing unit. Families currently living in the first unit will continue to work towards their own individualized plan of action towards sustainable living. 

Please consider supporting Phase 2 of Mary’s House of Hope to build four additional apartments for other families ready to transition out of A Safe Place emergency shelter.

You can be part of the foundation that builds a home for so many families seeking a safe and independent future.