Harbor House has two Domestic Violence Emergency Shelters, one located in Kankakee County and another located in Iroquois County. The main point of entry for all Harbor House services, including the two Emergency Shelters, is the 24-Hour Hotline at 815-932-5800. If survivors feel they need Emergency Shelter, call the hotline, and an advocate will ask questions about their situation, help create a safety plan, and provide emotional support as they process their situation. Shelter eligibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

Below are answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) to assist you as you navigate Harbor House services. Harbor House Advocates are always available at our 24-hour hotline at 815-932-5800 or chatline to answer any additional questions you may have.

What are the eligibility determinants for shelter?

Harbor House services are for survivors of domestic violence. We do not discriminate based on sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, age, etc. The emergency shelter has limitations like shelter capacity and survivors’ goals and safety, so shelter admission requests are determined on a case-by-case basis between the caller, advocate, and on-call staff person. When a survivor initially calls to request shelter, the advocate will ask questions about the situation and help them create an immediate safety plan. The advocate will then staff the shelter request with an on-call staff person. The advocate will call the survivor back with an answer like approval for shelter, offering other Harbor House services, or providing referrals to other community services.

Is there always space available at the shelter?

Both of our shelters in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties are oftentimes overwhelmed by the demand, so there will be times when there are no beds available. Even if you call at a time when we have no space, our staff will do everything they can to help you plan for your safety such as referring you to another shelter, helping you find other housing options, and helping you with a safety plan.

Does Harbor House charge for its services?

All of Harbor House’s services are free. Services include hotline, chatline, emergency shelter, counseling for adults, youth, and families, support with the court system, support groups, case management, and community outreach and education.  (The Resale Shoppe is not free as it supports Harbor House’s programs.)

Are Harbor House’s services confidential?

 Yes, our advocates are bound by the Illinois Domestic Violence Act to keep client information confidential. We may not release any client information to anyone without their consent with few exceptions like child abuse, elder abuse, abuse against an individual with a disability, and imminent danger. If advocates breach confidentiality, there are significant ramifications like loss of employment, charged with a misdemeanor, and more as outlined by the IDVA

What happens if I decide to go into Harbor House’s emergency shelter?

In the event you and Harbor House advocates determine shelter is the best option and there is space available, then the advocate and survivor will establish a time by which you shall arrive. The advocate will greet you at the door, offer you a tour, give you time to get settled in your own room, then start the paperwork intake process. All services are designed to empower survivors and allow self-determination, so each person’s intake process may vary depending on their needs and decisions.

What can I expect if I stay in the shelter?

Harbor House's shelters are designed with survivor empowerment in mind. All efforts are made to provide clients with a comfortable and safe environment to facilitate healing.

• You are provided with a private space for yourself, your children, and/or your pet. The kitchen, living room, bathrooms, and laundry room are shared spaces.
• If you left your situation with little to no personal items, Harbor House has select items for you such as personal hygiene (hair and face products, feminine care products, diapers, etc.), clothing, and toys for kids.
• Harbor House provides bedding (sheets, blankets, and pillows), towels, shower tote, laundry and detergent, food, and other select items to make your stay comfortable.
• The shelters are ADA-compliant, and there is a room designated for individuals with mobility concerns or who use a wheelchair.
• Our shelters are staffed 24/7 with well-trained advocates to assist with your needs and provide emotional support.
• Groceries are provided, and you are able to cook whatever and whenever you’d like.
• You will have access to a TV, laptops, activities, books, etc. to provide entertainment and the ability to achieve your personal goals.
• You will be able to leave the facility and go wherever you would like such as the park, work, store, doctors, etc. There are safety hours identifying when you must be back in the facility for security reasons.
• A Shelter Supervisor will help you think through your personal goals while you are in the shelter and walk alongside you in achieving them. Examples of goals may include, but are not limited to, creating a spending plan, finding safe long-term housing, securing employment, making a resume, pursuing an educational objective, securing personal identification that may have been destroyed (driver’s license, birth certificate, etc.), and more.
• You may also choose to participate in group activities, support groups, and/or counseling.

Is the shelter clean?

Harbor House staff regularly clean the shelters and completely disinfect private rooms between each person’s stay. Survivors also have access to cleaning supplies to maintain their personal spaces.

Can I get help if I don’t stay at the shelter?

Yes. We encourage you to call our hotline for immediate support over the phone. As you speak with an advocate, they can direct you to the best service for your situation. We can help you with the emotional and practical aspects of experiencing domestic violence including:

• Information and support with the court system
• Individual, youth, and family counseling
  Support groups
• Referrals to other services
• 24-hour hotline
• Chatline

How long can I stay in the shelter?

Harbor House provides short-term emergency shelter and crisis intervention. Your length of stay will take into consideration your unique situation as you work with the Shelter Supervisor.

Can I bring my pet(s)?

Harbor House shelters are pet-friendly. We understand that they are a member of your family. Each case will be assessed individually and depends on a variety of factors including space restrictions, client safety, and the size and quantity of the pets. Harbor House does require proof of documentation that the animal be updated on vaccinations.

Can I drop someone off at the shelter?

• If the person has been approved for shelter by the advocates, then yes, you may drop them off.
• If they have not spoken to an advocate yet, then please do not just drop them off as we may not be able to accommodate their stay and they will be stranded.
• If someone has been staying in the shelter and you are providing transportation to achieve their goals, then you will be asked to complete a Visitor’s Confidentiality Contract if you will be their primary source of transportation during their stay.

The main point of entry for any of our services, including the shelter, is our 24-hour hotline.

Can I come see your shelter? Where is it located?

No visitors are allowed at our shelters at any time without prior consent from Harbor House staff. In the event a visitor is allowed at our shelter, they will be expected to sign a Visitor’s Confidentiality Contract. We are mandated by law to protect the security and privacy of survivors of domestic violence. By housing them at a confidential location, we take precautions to ensure safety.