Shelters

Programs:

• reSTART is designed to assist our guests in their path out of homelessness by focusing on Skills, Training, Abilities, Relationships and Testimony.  The effectiveness of the program is greatly dependent on the dedication of each individual.  Our Advocates meet with guests to create a plan to define their goals, schedule service hours and outline Mission expectations.  Whether they are work ready and simply need time to save money and pay off debt, or are struggling with addiction or mental health issues, the reStart program is tailored to their specific needs. 

• Emergency Services are available to any men, women and families in immediate need of shelter.  To ensure the safety of all guests, the City Mission reserves the right to refuse service to individuals with a history of violent behavior, registered sex offenders, or anyone under the influence of a substance or alcohol.  Length of emergency stays are determined by advocates and can be extended up to 90 days if guests show a desire and determination to work toward independence.  All emergency stay guests are given the opportunity to apply for the reSTART program.  Emergency stay guests have the following resources available to them during their stay:

  • meals

  • laundry

  • advocacy

  • Mental Health Services

  • Financial Coaching

Community Services: includes referral services to any community members in need and serves as a safe harbor during inclement weather , natural disaster, or emergency.  The following services are available to anyone in the community in need:

• Lunch: 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

• Dinner: 4:30 p.m. - 5 :30 p.m.

• Perishable food items are provided following dinner when available

• Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas food boxes available

• Hats and gloves are distributed during the winter

• Bottled water is distributed during high temperatures

• Jesus Birthday Party for community children and families. 

Services include:

• 24-hour Hotline

• Confidential Location

• 30 days Emergency Housing

• 60 days Transitional Housing

• Food

• Clothing

• Transportation

• Victim Advocacy including assistance with orders of protection, court/legal lay assistance, court accompaniment/advocacy

• Child Advocacy including safety planning for children, art/music therapy

• Sexual Assault Advocacy

Services provided:

• Staffed 24 hours 7 days per week

• Security is maintained 24 hours 7 days per week

• Non-smoking facility

• Close to public transportation routes

• Provides comfortable living areas

• Food and well-supplied kitchen area

• Laundry facilities

• Secure yard and play area

• Playroom for the children

• No cost

Shelter is available to any adult or child accompanied by a parent/guardian who lives or works in Hancock County and is a survivor of domestic violence or sexual assault.  Open Arms shelter is the only one in Hancock County that provides immediate, temporary housing for survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault and their children 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  

All services provided in shelter are free and confidential.

Additional Services:

• Sexual Violence/Sex Trafficking support including medical treatment, legal advocacy, emergency shelter, individual and group support and a 24-hour crisis hotline. 

• Outreach: 

  • 24-hour crisis hotline: 419-422-4766

  • Group Support for survivors of domestic violence and rap as well as for children who have experienced violent homes.

  • Individual Support and Education helping to understand your situation the the available choices. 

  • Legal Advocacy: Although we do not provide lawyers or legal advise, advocates can help you through the court process so you are not alone and help you get connected to the right resources. 

  • Services for family members and friends to help educate them about domestic violence and the effects it has on individuals. 

• Child Advocacy and Education Programming provides individual and group support sessions with children who have been affected by domestic violence. Educational Programming is available to K-12 classrooms and youth groups throughout Findlay and Hancock County including topics on anger and bullying, body boundaries and respect, Internet safety, safe dating, empathy development, and building healthy relationships.  Contact the agency at 419-420-9261 to schedule. 

• Violence Recovery Program is a 26 week program designed to help those who have inflicted some form of physical, sexual or emotional abuse against wives/husbands, partners, girlfriend/boyfriend, children, parents or other relatives or people they live with.  Services can be court/agency ordered or voluntary.  $30.00 intake fee as well as $25.00 weekly group session fee.  Sliding scale fee is also available.  Call 419-420-9261 to enroll.

• Harmony House - Supervised Visitation and Exchanges was created to assist children who are caught in the middle of a situation beyond their control.

  • Supervised visits: are held at Harmony House and can last one to two hours while being monitored by staff who observe and record activities with the ability to intervene if necessary for the emotional and physical safety of the child. 

  • Supervised Exchanges: are for parents who are not required to have supervision during the visit but need to be able to exchange the children without having contact with the other parent.  Exchange is monitored by Harmony House staff. All visits must be scheduled in advance with an initial intake prior to the first visit/exchange.  $30.00 fee for the initial intake and then a $15.00 fee per parent per exchange.  Supervised visitation fee is $25.00 per hour.  A sliding fee is also available to those who qualify. 

• LGBTQ+:  Crisis Hotline: 419-422-7666.  Beyond physical, emotional and financial violence, other tactics are often used by abusers to control intimate partners in LGBTQ+ relationships.  Some examples include threatening to out you to family and employers; portraying themselves as the victim to friends and support systems; and describing the violence as mutual or consensual.   Advocates are available 24/7 to answer questions, make safety plans, advocate for legal rights, and offer support during your healing journey. 

This program provides:

• Domestic violence shelter

• 24/7 Crisis Hotline

• 24/7 Intakes

Participants in this program also benefit from:

• Court Advocacy

• Safety Planning

• Emotional Support

• Domestic Violence Support Groups

• Transportation

• Safe Space for Endangered Pets

• Community Outreach

• Community Education

• Children's Activities and Advocacy

• Economic Empowerment Groups

• Linkage to Community Resources

• Assistance with Independent Housing

Services include:

• Complete Confidentiality

• Safe, secure location

• Child and Court Advocacy

• Mental Health and Alcohol and Drug (AOD) services on site

• Economic Empowerment

• Support and Educational groups

• Case Management

• Safety Plans

All Services are available to men, women and children regardless of sexual orientation and services are conducted in a safe and confidential environment.