How many women stay at Home Free? Additional Info
The shelter's capacity is 30 women and children. Each year we provide shelter to more than
600 women and children and respond to nearly 2000 phone calls for information and support.
How long do women stay at Home Free? Additional Info
The shelter provides short-term emergency housing with the average stay around 14-17 days.
Some women stay up to 6 weeks and others may decide to stay only a day or two. We are always
full and end up turning away about 20% of our calls for space.
How do women hear about Home Free?
A lot of ways; Police, family, friends, church, co-workers, other agencies, phone book,
saw a brochure etc. Word of mouth is how a lot of women hear about us.
What should I do if I know someone in an abusive situation? Additional Info
The most important thing to do is to be supportive. Many women have been isolated by the
abuser and do not have many people to talk to. Remember that she may not be ready to leave
the situation, it has to be her choice. Simply let her know that she can talk to you and that
you know where she can get help when she is ready. Our crisis line # is (763) 559-4945.
How much does it cost for families to use Home Free services?
All Home Free services are free of charge.
Where do the kids go to school while at the shelter?
The children at Home Free can attend the local schools. If it is safe some might continue at their old school.
What do women do while they stay at the shelter?
Women do a variety of things including attending court dates if needed, look for housing, go to work,
or look for work, attend support groups, heal from injuries, etc.
What happens to women when the shelter is full?
We are networked with all the shelters in the state to see who has openings. If we cannot find
space for her we might try and brainstorm with her to see if she can think of any family or friends
she might be able to stay with until we have openings.
What cities do Home Free Community Programs serve? Additional Info
Plymouth, New Hope, Golden Valley, Brooklyn Park, Corcoran, Dayton, Rogers, Hassan, Greenfield, Osseo,
Hanover, Maple Plain, Medina, Loretto, Medicine Lake, and Independence
What does a community advocate do? Additional Info
Community Advocates provide legal advocacy to women in both civil and criminal courts. They help women
with Orders for Protection(restraining orders) and help them through the criminal court process. They
work to coordinate and support the efforts of the criminal justice, law enforcement, medical and
mental health providers to maximize the safety of battered women and to change the behavior of assailants.
How many women do we work with in the community programs a year? Additional Info
Each year we work with over 1200 women in our 16 cities.
How is Home Free funded?
Home Free funding sources are:
State of Minnesota GA Per Diems - Shelter
Minnesota Center for Crime Victim Services - Intervention and shelter
Hennepin County - Community Programs
Cities of Brooklyn Park, New Hope, Golden Valley and Plymouth - Intervention
VAWA ( Violence Against Women Act) federal fund - 12 rural community programs
United Way - Children's Program and Community Programs
Foundations, corporations, and many, many individuals and groups fund about 15% of Home Free's Budget
Who is the staff?
Home Free has approximately 21 full-time, part-time and relief staff positions. These positions
include women's advocates, children's advocates, community advocates, community programs coordinator,
house manager, volunteer coordinator, administrative assistant, shelter coordinator, donations coordinator,
funding and development manager/community education coordinator and a director.
How many volunteers does Home Free have? Additional Info
We have about 30-35 core volunteers and over 100 group and special project volunteers. They
contribute over 6,000 hours each year.
How do I become a volunteer? Additional Info
Call the volunteer coordinator (763) 559-9008 - Volunteer Opportunities
How can I help? Additional Info
You can volunteer, make a donation, organize a group project.