Lorrie’s House: More Than Just a Shelter
by Dawn Hull, Resident Program Manager
When I tell people that I oversee a domestic violence program, I am often faced with the question, “What is shelter life even like?” When most people think of a shelter they think of a cold, sterile environment with cots lined up and people all crammed together. Lorrie’s House could not be further from that stereotypical image of a shelter. DOVES has worked tirelessly to create an environment designed specifically around survivors’ needs for safety, attachment, and healing. It is a true therapeutic milieu.
The next day, incoming clients meet with Vanessa Ochoa, the Shelter Case Manager, who completes a needs assessment to determine how DOVES can best serve them and empower them on this new journey. The shelter store, affectionately referred to as “Nordstroms” is made available to clients if they were not able to bring necessary items with them. Nordstroms is filled with clothing, shoes, toiletries, etc. for new residents, but clients are also given the option to go and acquire items at the DOVES Nest Thrift Store if they would like.
Most residents stay at Lorrie’s House between 30-60 days. Although this sounds like a short amount of time, staff members work closely with clients to ensure that they get as much benefit out of their time in the program as possible. Clients get copies of their birth certificates, social security cards, and replacement IDs if necessary. They attend to their physical health by making doctor and dental appointments that have been put off due to the abuse. They participate in groups at the shelter, meet with Legal Advocate Rebecca David for help with restraining orders or custody paperwork, and often begin receiving counseling from clinicians Tonya Schour or Becca Flores. Shelter advocates work together to create a supportive environment where clients feel accepted and safe. Staff often spend time cooking or watching movies with clients. Many of our residents have been devalued and having staff members spend time engaging in simple activities makes them feel likeable and worthy again. Mothers get to focus on building bonds with their children and the little ones residing at the shelter often remark that they love being there because they “get to spend time with mommy.” Clients get to focus on re-building their identity and making a plan of action for their future.
There are no cots at Lorrie’s House. Our shelter feels like a home, cozy and safe, filled with people who support and believe in you. It is heartwarming to see how much progress can take place when trauma survivors are in an environment conducive to security and healing.
