New programs to help support women and children affected by domestic violence are being developed and opened in Douglas County. These homeless shelters will focus on Douglas County residents displaced by escaping domestic abuse situations at home. Hotel vouchers will be given to a family who wants to stay with their father, whereas those staying with their mother will be housed at various churches throughout the county.

In addition to being referred to a shelter, you can also visit WinterShelterNetwork.org for more information and to register for a safe place to spend the night away from domestic abuse. The Southeast Christian Outreach in Parker, Parker Task Force, Douglas/Elbert Task Force and Catholic Charities will help facilitate referral to shelters in the covered areas throughout Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Parker, and other areas in Douglas County.

The Winter Shelter Network began with just four churches housing those displaced by domestic abuse, including Southeast Christian. Meeting every four to six weeks, they looked for ways to help people along with getting other churches and locations to join the network. Douglas County currently has the fourth highest median household income by county in the United States; it also has the lowest poverty rate for all US counties within the same demographics and size. This often hides the homeless population that does exist within Douglas County borders.

Food, hygiene products, and other items will be provided by the churches when possible funded by donations of items and monetary donations. The churches want to do what they can to help fight homelessness in Douglas County and those suffering from domestic abuse on the home front.

Visit WinterShelterNetwork.org to learn how you can help the organization this winter and beyond. Whether you donate items, money, or volunteer your time, you can have an impact on homelessness in Douglas County.