Victim Services

Crime Victim services

For victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, making the decision to get out of a violent situation can be difficult and dangerous. But when that decision is made, it's critical that survivors have a place to go where they can feel safe and secure.

Friends of the Family offers shelter services to residents of 14 Iowa counties, including:

emergency shelter options

The Friends' House Emergency Safety Shelter is a 21-bed facility that is staffed by certified victim advocates 24/7. This shelter is in a confidential location and is a secure facility that features coded doors and an advanced security system to prevent anyone from entering the facility who should not be there.

A variety of other confidential shelter options are located throughout the 14-county region. Crisis line staff work with victims/survivors to identify which shelter option best fits their unique safety needs.

Housing Assistance programs

Home Free

This program provides housing or relocation assistance to survivors of human trafficking for residents of Allamakee, Benton, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Chickasaw, Clayton, Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette, Howard, Jones, Linn, and Winneshiek Counties. 

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

• Experienced trafficking that has impacted their safety & housing stability 
• Create and follow an individual case plan
• Meet a caseworker for in-home visits to work on identifying needs and barriers to maintaining permanent housing including budgeting and life skill development
• Work toward self-sufficiency

Safely Home

This program provides transitional housing or housing assistance for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking which has led to them to experiencing homeless for residents of Benton, Black Hawk, Delaware, Dubuque, Grundy, Jones, Linn, and Tama Counties.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

• Participants must be experiencing literal homelessness or fleeing/attempting to flee domestic violence
• Create and follow an individual case plan
• Meet a caseworker for in-home visits to work on identifying needs and barriers to maintaining permanent housing including budgeting and life skill development
• Work toward self-sufficiency

These program help survivors:

• Connect with supportive community resources and organizations
• Develop budget habits to create a plan of safety
• Develop financial literacy skills
• Obtain and maintain lasting housing solutions

Contact Us to Learn More About Housing Assistance

If you or someone you know is homeless or currently living in an unsafe place, please call FOF and speak with a member of our staff.

Call Us:

• Victim Services Hotline: 319-352-0037
• Waypoint Call Center: 1-833-739-0065