LifeWay Network’s Comprehensive Safe Housing Program Specifications 

To ensure that we can provide the best possible care and support for each survivor, please review this checklist before making a referral:

_____ Our Focus

• We are dedicated to serving female-identifying survivors of all forms of human trafficking (labor and sex trafficking).

_____ Staff Capacity

• Our program is not equipped to support individuals:

  • with extensive psychiatric or medical needs.

  • currently abusing substances or alcohol. 

_____ Physical Ability

• Residents must be able to climb stairs and participate in household chores.

_____ Case Management

• Residents must be connected to case management by a qualified service provider agency.

_____ Household Chores

• Residents are responsible for contributing to the upkeep of shared spaces. This includes, but is not limited to, the kitchen, dining room, bathrooms, basement, laundry room, hallway and stairs.

• Responsibilities are assigned on a rotating basis and are evenly distributed among all residents.

_____ Community Participation

• Residents must be willing to engage in community activities, including:

• daily check-in with a house manager or support staff no later than 10 a.m.

• weekly workshops

• weekly community dinners

• weekly meetings with an on-site social worker

• quarterly service plan meetings with an on-site social worker

• agreement to and signature on the Community Agreement

_____ Structured Environment

• The safety of our residents is paramount in our caring community, so we ask that safe house residents return by these times: 

• 10 p.m. Sunday–Thursday

• 11 p.m. Friday–Saturday

• Note: Residents who work late or who wish to attend a special event can arrange to return later.

_____ Coexisting Peacefully

• Residents must be able to coexist peacefully with others in a shared-living environment.

• Residents must be able to manage and share equitably the food that is provided by LifeWay Network.

• Absolutely no alcohol or drugs are allowed on site.

We appreciate your cooperation. Our aim is to create a safe, supportive and productive environment for all residents. For qualified referrals, email help@lifewaynetwork.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does LifeWay Network’s safe housing program accept: 

• all genders? We accept women and trans females only.

• bottoms/recruiters? This is determined on a case-by-case basis. A bottom is a trafficking survivor who was in a leadership position with a trafficker/pimp. They often participate in the trafficking as recruiters or enforcers and get special privileges in return. They are also victims of human trafficking; however, because they get rewarded for recruiting, there have been issues in other places with them claiming to be a victim but then recruiting women within a shelter.

• those who have a mental health diagnosis? We do accept women with a mental health diagnosis, as most survivors have PTSD, depression and anxiety, but we do not have the capacity to serve those with psychosis, personality disorders or mood disorders. This is assessed case by case. 

• those who are taking medication for health/mental health conditions? Yes, but we are cautious with psychotropic medications. This is another case-by-case decision, and we do not have the capacity to serve those with psychosis or severe mood or personality disorders. 

• those with a diagnosis of autism? Yes, as long as they are independent and can care for themselves, managing responsibilities such as cooking and personal hygiene. 

• those who are pregnant? No.

• those who are undocumented? Yes. 

• those who are foreign-born? Yes. 

Do you provide detox, or does the individual need to be sober before entry? 

LifeWay Network is not a medical facility; therefore we do not offer detox services. We have zero tolerance for substance use or possession of substances in our safe housing program. If someone comes to a safe house under the influence or has substances in their room, this can result in immediate discharge. LifeWay will support residents who are active in a 12-step program and working with a sponsor. In the event of relapse, LifeWay will encourage the resident to immediately contact her sponsor.

What is your application process and how long does it take? 

We require a completed referral form, with a psychosocial / psych evaluation attached. From there we will schedule an intake to determine whether the potential resident is a good fit. Depending on bed availability, it can be as little as a week or as long as several months. 

Do you require COVID testing before entry?

No

Are you faith-based? 

LifeWay Network is not a faith-based organization. All faiths are welcomed.  LifeWay was founded by a Roman Catholic religious community of nuns, and currently our host community are Roman Catholic religious sisters. However, LifeWay is an independent, nonprofit agency; we do not proselytize; and there are no religious requirements for residents.

How long is your program?

Residents can remain in LifeWay’s safe housing program as long as one year. 

Do you employ lived-experience staff?

Yes, we hire graduates and other lived-experience individuals to serve as survivor advocates and residential aides.

Is there a cost for LifeWay Network’s safe housing program?

No, we provide basic food essentials and basic toiletries. 

Is schooling / job training / a GED program available? 

Residents who have case management will continue to access to these services through their existing program; those who require case management can receive support from our care coordinator, who can link them to these services.

Is there a transitional phase? 

No, case management is responsible for the resident’s transition out of LifeWay’s safe housing.

Do you accept women with children?

No. 

To initiate a referral, please complete LifeWay Network’s Comprehensive Safe Housing Program referral form. Email help@lifewaynetwork.org with questions.