About Project SAFE
Project SAFE (Self-Advocacy to Further Economic Empowerment):
Learning self-advocacy to move out of poverty
According to a recent survey, 68% of women living in homeless shelters in Massachusetts have experienced domestic violence. In many cases, women become chronically homeless as a result of abuse. Both past and current abuse and trauma can get in the way when homeless parents try to move toward economic self-sufficiency.
Project SAFE helps homeless parents improve their financial literacy and develop the skills to deescalate conflicts, advocate for themselves, and communicate effectively.
In recognition of the trauma and abuse that homeless families face, Project SAFE combines practical economic literacy, policy advocacy training, and IMPACT safety skills. The result is a multi-faceted curriculum that helps homeless parents feel safer and more able to advocate for themselves and others.
At the conclusion of the training program, Project SAFE helps graduates put these new-found self-advocacy skills to use. Ten-week paid internships are available at IMPACT, Harbor COV, and Homes for Families. Graduates interested in starting their own small businesses are eligible for Micro-Enterprise startup training through the Center for Women and Enterprise.
Project SAFE collaborators work with employers throughout the Boston area to find permanent jobs for graduates. Project SAFE has helped graduates become qualified to work in organizations that support low-income women who are struggling with abuse and poverty. Often the best-qualified advocate is one who has experienced homelessness, poverty, and violence first-hand.
Project SAFE Collaborators
Domestic Violence Unit, Department of Transitional Assistance
Center for Women and Enterprise, Boston
Employers Against Domestic Violence, Statewide
Harbor COV, Chelsea
Homes for Families, Boston
IMPACT, Malden
Triangle, Malden
Project SAFE Shelter Partners
Crittendon Women�s Union, Brighton
Crossroads Family Shelter, E. Boston
House of Hope, Lowell
Housing Families, Malden, Medford and Revere
Louison House, Brockton
Millennium House, Roxbury
Roxbury Multi-Service Center Family House Shelter, Dorchester
St. Mary�s Women and Infants Center, Dorchester
Amanda Hoeg: A Project SAFE Success Story
Photo: Project SAFE class at a Boston-area homeless shelter
