Safe Haven is the only shelter program of its kind in Middle Tennessee that serves homeless families as an entire unit. Residents are comprised of married couples with children, and single mothers and fathers with children. The average length of stay is 65 to 85 days. The resident(s) must gain employment as a part of program requirements.   Safe Haven can accommodate 11 families at a time through a main shelter campus and 6 transitional homes. 

  The qualifications for a family to be considered for the Mended Hearts Program are as follows: 
  The families must:

• be a family unit, consisting of one or two parents and at least one minor child
• be drug and alcohol-free
• be in an emergency situation
• have never resided at Safe Haven before
• be willing to accept certain responsibilities at the shelter and abide by program rules

Each family is provided a private room with a double bed for the parents, and bunk beds for the children.  The shower and bathroom facilities are shared; as are the laundry room, common living room, and dining area.  The basic needs of residents are provided as well as  baby food, diapers, clothing, and toiletries.

Parents, once employed, must save 75% of their income. The funds are placed into a savings account for families to build a financial safety net in preparation for program departure. This component aids tremendously in the transition back into mainstream living.

Safe Haven emphasizes the importance of the family unit to the residents, and provides various training and counseling programs.  Programs include training in:  job readiness, budgeting courses, individual and group therapy for parents and children, and enrichment through the Arts and Special Activities sector.  The goal of the program is to empower families so they can achieve long-term sustainability in independent living.

Student Tutoring - Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools HERO Program works closely with the children at Safe Haven to enroll them in school, provide uniforms and school supplies.  They also offer onsite tutoring for our children on a weekly basis.