The purpose of SAFE Shelter is to decrease the level of domestic violence in Chatham County and offer services to deal with the effects of domestic violence when it occurs. To do this, SAFE Shelter will provide temporary shelter and services to victims of domestic violence.

Reduction of the level of domestic violence will be furthered by preventive education, public speaking, educational services, increasing public awareness of domestic violence issues, supporting legislation designed to decrease domestic violence and political advocacy.

In its attempt to reduce the level and impact of domestic violence, the SAFE Shelter will promote the rights of victimized women and children throughout the judicial process.


The History of SAFE Shelter
In late 1978, several concerned citizens met to discuss the problem of spousal abuse in Chatham County. Realizing the seriousness of this problem, and the lack of resources in the area, they joined with twenty-five others to establish an emergency shelter.

During the next six months, the group became known as the SAFE Shelter (Savannah Area Family Emergency) Shelter, a non-profit organization united to protect women and their children. The SAFE Shelter program was initiated through seed funds from Junior League, donations, churches, the Professional Women’s Club, the Huntington Turner Women’s Club, city and county businesses, government agencies, and serveral community-wide fundraisers.

Through the collaborative efforts of private citizens and local government a house was purchased in May of 1980. After several months of renovations, a staff was hired and the 15 bed shelter opened its doors September 15, 1980.

Over twenty years later, the need for SAFE Shelter is greater than ever. A new larger facility opened in October of 2001 and the shelter continues to provide a haven for the victims of domestic violence and to strive towards ending the cycle of violence.