9 Domestic Violence Shelter Resources in Tampa

Leaving is a process. It takes the average person seven times to exit an abusive relationship.

If you or someone you love is navigating domestic violence, there is an abundance of resources to help an individual or a family avoid housing insecurity, joblessness, and danger. 

The hardest thing to do when a person is in the middle of a crisis is anything that requires focus, time, and energy, so we’ve compiled a central list of resources to help you get answers and support now.

Where can you find a domestic violence shelter in Tampa?

To know safety in the home is a privilege for many. Let’s take a look at the type of resources available to the Tampa Bay area, how you can connect with them, and how they can help support you during this trying time.

Dawning Family Services (formerly Alpha House)

Dawning Family Services evolved from a pregnancy crisis center in the early 80s to a housing-first hub with several programs that can give a person or family facing domestic violence. From find homelessness prevention to employment support services, you can find a short-term emergency shelter at Dawning if you are at risk of or experiencing any of the aforementioned crises.

The Spring of Tampa Bay

The Spring of Tampa Bay is a domestic violence shelter that offers comprehensive care beyond your typical shelter. There are a lot of things a person needs to worry about when they are planning to flee a domestic violence situation, namely childcare and case management. 

The Spring has on-site childcare, an elementary school, and after-school programs like summer camp and tutoring. At the Spring, an individual can connect to one on one counseling, healthcare services, and income support, as well as job training and employment-seeking opportunities. 

Metropolitan Ministries 

Metropolitan Ministries has multiple short and long-term residence opportunities in both an emergency shelter format and through transitional housing. Hope Hall is for families who are experiencing homelessness. Hope Hall is the perfect option for families to stay together while they actively seek employment and save for housing. Uplift Hall is an option for people who are in need of counseling and permanent, supportive housing and case management wrapped into one.

Ongoing case management to help you or your loved ones through the trauma they have endured

Experiencing homelessness puts a person at high risk of death for an abundance of reasons. Not a single need is met when a person is forced to consider or to live outside because it’s a better option than living with their abuser.

Without any insight into whether or not they’ll make it from the street to a safe haven, living in this crisis state takes a toll on the mind, body, and spirit. Once victims of domestic violence are safe, they will need a lot of support from community resources to get back on their feet and process this harrowing experience. That’s where case management comes in.

Trafficking Victims Assistance Project (TVAP) by Lutheran Services Florida

TVAP is a resource where victims of domestic violence and trafficking can seek trauma-informed care with connections and referrals to legal services, financial assistance, safety planning, and mental and physical health care providers. If needed, TVAP can help victims enroll in public benefits and refugee programs, as well as support their journey to connect with gainful employment.

First Hug by Metropolitan Ministries

First Hug by Metropolitan Ministries offers case management for families, including teaching daily life skills, developmental screenings, identifying safe housing, and supplying school-readiness support to children of domestic violence. Crisis stabilization is crucial for the family unit, and Metropolitan Ministries can help.

Kinship Services by Children’s Home Network

Everyone who is connected to the victim(s) is impacted by domestic violence. And sometimes, families may be separated due to a lack of resources or beds at emergency shelters. 

Kinship Services are a great alternative for caregivers to expand the support network of their family during a period of crisis. For relatives and non-relatives who have found themselves in a caregiver position, Kinship delivers in-home visits, advocacy support, and connection to community resources, recreational activities, and social gatherings, as well as bi-lingual services for English and Spanish-speaking people.

Hotlines that can help in an immediate, emergency situation 

Sometimes a person in crisis, especially a domestic violence survivor, only has access to a telephone. Here are a few crisis hotlines that can make a difference in an emergency situation, or act as a preventative measure. 

211: Tampa Bay Cares 

If you’re struggling but unsure what type of support might be best for you, pick up the phone and connect with the compassionate, knowledgeable team at 211. They can listen, offer resources, and guide you through certain processes that may sound overwhelming, like connecting to a psychiatrist, finding a safe house, or reporting yourself as the victim of a crime.

988: Suicide Prevention Hotline

If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings or thoughts about suicide, there are multiple national suicide prevention hotlines, but the only number you need to remember is 988. Calling this hotline will directly connect you to a support team who can help you, even if you just need to be heard. 

Sexual assault services at Crisis Center of Tampa Bay

You can directly call (813) 264-9961 (and even 211) to connect with sexual assault services for yourself or someone you know. The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is available 24/7 and is fully equipped to help anyone who is experiencing a crisis of any kind.

Busciglio, Sheridan & Schoeb Attorneys are here for you

If you’re struggling with picking up the phone and connecting with support, you are not alone. Whether you have a person in your life that you care deeply for, or a stranger you just met who needs support, bookmark this guide and let it act as a resource to help you help them. If you have any questions about being or knowing a victim of domestic violence, please feel free to connect with us through any means, at any time.