There are over 1,800 homeless individuals in Marion and Polk County and about 40% of them are women. People experiencing homelessness live in survival mode, with ongoing risk of being assaulted or robbed, and the trauma of living in that danger every day. Women have a high risk of also being sex trafficked or raped. Most shelters have higher entry criteria than our low barrier shelter, which leaves many people falling through the cracks, with no options for sleeping safely. SafeSleep United bridges that gap for eligible women.

We offer some basic needs, support and services to enable women to heal, plan, and move forward with their dreams and goals, from the stability of a safe place to sleep each night. Low barrier reflects a housing-first approach, where people are welcomed as they are.

In 2022, SafeSleep was able to provide 5,348 bed nights and 8,948 meals to those in need.

Our recent expansion has enabled us to meet more basic needs: we have three bathrooms instead of one, and a laundry room, shower, and room for 21 more beds, so we can shelter up to 50 women!