The Women’s Shelter Program (WSP) began as a grassroots volunteer run shelter in 1977. At that time domestic violence shelters or safe houses were appearing all over the United States as a grassroots movement. The WSP started by offering “safe houses” for victims of domestic violence. When it was incorporated in 1979, the concern with the need for emergency shelter was obvious in the name, which was chosen for the organization: Women’s Crisis House. Soon it was realized that, as essential as crisis services were, extensive support services were also necessary in order for the victim to escape from a violent life. The realization that all clients are not in need of identical services encouraged the WSP to take a more proactive approach.
Therefore, the Women’s Crisis House changed its name to Women’s Shelter Program of San Luis Obispo County in order to reflect the expansion of these services. The Women’s Shelter Program (WSP) now has a wide range of programs available to victims of intimate partner violence including emergency housing, transitional housing, advocacy and case management, legal services, counseling, community education and children’s services.
Women’s Shelter Program Mission Statement
“The Women’s Shelter Program is committed to recognizing and responding to our community’s need for comprehensive multicultural domestic violence and child abuse services. We understand that domestic violence and child abuse, in their fullest scope, impacts primary victims, family members, society, and future generations. With this in mind, it is our goal to stop the cycle of violence by providing crisis intervention, emergency shelter, advocacy, treatment, prevention and education.”
Women’s Shelter Program Vision
“A society where intimate partners and family members treat each other with dignity, respect, and compassion; where oppression is replaced with equality; where the expression of conflict and anger is non-violent; where children grow up with their esteem intact and are nurtured in such a manner they recognize the value of speaking the truth, welcoming diversity and practicing cooperation. Our vision is a society free from intimate and political wars.”
