Really wanted to believe this was a good program, but I have had so many problems here that have set me back in my goals while my children are depending on me to provide for them. Within the first week of staying here, I got a cold. Before arriving I had been on the street for a few months and remained healthy. I get colds maybe once every few years. The culprit for the cold was some women don't and ARE NOT REQUIRED to shower to keep their bodies, clothes, sleeping areas or bathrooms clean (1 bathroom per bungalow) which causes an atmosphere of not only extreme odor, but more importantly creates an unsanitary environment that is not healthy to breathe in.
The central heat they have is great for winter, but, with minimal to no ventilation and the heater blasting...imagine. Was told by the director that the determining factor on keeping windows open or shut and/or heat on or off was majority decision of women in bungalow instead of enforcing what is healthy for everyone. TB tests are required, but not prior to entry. They also allow women to bring their dogs to sleep inside a small 3 bedroom bungalow with up to 3 women per room (as long as the dog is in a cage and supervised. Another issue I had was women being aggressive verbally and physically. Those women remained in the program after several unnecessary incidents. Even had staff raise their voice at me and displayed some aggression over issues that weren't extremely serious. They allow women to come in drunk and high.
They confiscate glass, metals, potentially harmful objects, sharp objects, etc; but allow women to have lighters. Had several items stolen as well. There are weekly meetings. During the first meeting I attended, there were complaints that some women were masturbating at night. The staff response was telling women if they need to or choose to do so, that they can go in the bathroom and do that for 15 minutes maximum with no sound. They also have donations in large amounts; food, clothes, toiletries, etc., but barely share or show a desire to share with the women who are clearly in need. Seems as though the staff is using what is donated.
I was also injured here because of a bunk bed that was not properly put together. I fell off the top bunk because of a loosely secured railing and hit the hard wood floor which made my body extremely tight and sore. I was asked if I needed medical help and I said no. I was given a regular twin bed to sleep in until the bunk was fixed. But, after I declined medical care I was placed right back in the same top bunk I fell from after a few days. The staff seemed to be unconcerned....as with mostly everything else. Anytime there was an important issue brought to staff's attention, and it was close to the weekend, the staff says the director/supervisor will handle it on monday. Have been here since early November and been told they are short staffed, but was told after a minor injury that I could not keep the single twin bed because there were no more beds available, even though the new lady coming in did not have any physical issues preventing her from climbing up and down the top bunk. So question is, with such short staff, why are they filling up all the beds??? Supposedly. My guess is the more people in the program, the more money they receive and gives them a better feel for job security (at the expense of the women who need and should have priority to utilize the resources safely and comfortably).
I am so disappointed in my experience here that I am currently searching for another shelter because on top of my already difficult life situation, it's added to the stress. Only because they provide all basic needs for free do I put one star and I would not be able to leave a review without one. The good unfortunately has not outweighed the bad in my experience here and I would recommend finding a place other than this if this is not your only option. Unless of course the staff favors you in some way, as not everyone gets the same treatment. Good or bad.
One of the main things to know as well is they work with the local sheriff's department. I was tipped off that their staff participates in phony investigations against innocent women in their program using illegal live-streaming spy cameras (everywhere, including bathrooms), organized stalking and covert harassment; with residents participating as well. That means all staff and residents are able to see the target via camera on their phone anywhere; as well as real-time GPS location access capability. Apparently, tax dollars pay for this 24/7 operation. Volunteers of America runs this property, so they must give the go ahead for this program to operate within the property. Which must explain the extreme mistreatment I have received here.
So I guess I can say, enter at your own risk. Wouldn't want them to get shut down, but God-willing put some people working here that actually have morals and fear God. I wouldn't wish this on anyone. Horrible. read more