The Women's Safe House
Queer Affirming
Trans AffirmingDescription
Provides safe shelter and transitional living services to women (who have had a domestic violence event) and their dependent children, to empower women to make informed choices about their futures. Founded in 1922, TWSH is the first domestic violence shelter in St. Louis. It is also the largest in St. Louis. Utilizes restorative justice practices. Maximum length of stay is client dependent, typical stay is 6 weeks to 6 months. Services are trans inclusive as long as the client verbally identifies as a woman.
Any child (regardless of gender) can only stay until the age of 18. TWSH refers to other housing orgs if children age out (Covenant House for example). Limited rules for residents, most services are optional:
- You can come and go, but staying away for 72+ hours forfeits your spot.
- No drugs or alcohol.
- Physical or verbal altercations can jeopardize stay.
Services:
- Shelter & meals
- Pets allowed
- After-care program
- Court advocacy (legal advocate also available to non-residents)
- Housing advocacy and referrals
- Living skills, financial literacy and parenting classes
- Job placement assistance
- Case management
- On-site nurse and health screenings
- Professional therapy for women and children
- Structured program for children
- Support groups for women and children shelter residents
- Limited transportation
- Personal hygiene items
Easiest way to get into contact with TWSH is through the 24 hour crisis line (314-772-4535). Some referrals come from other orgs, hospitals, police, etc., but most clients come through the crisis line. Crisis line staff should have experience working with trans clients and receive trainings on equal access. TWSH's Executive Director has confirmed that trans folks who call into the SQSH Peer Support Line in need of housing (who identify as women and meet TWSH's program requirements) can be warm transferred to the crisis line and should expect to receive full support and understanding.
In April 2024, TWSH completed one trans competency training with Trans Housing Initiative St. Louis (THISTL). In Nov 2025, TWSH completed STLAVP's vetting process as a queer-affirming provider. TWSH currently accepts both transgender and cisgender women. Non-binary survivors would be accepted if they identify as also a woman. Eligibility is based on if a person identifies as a woman. TWSH also advertises queer-affirming services at local pride events.
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Detailed Resource Information
Populations Prioritized
Restrictions/Eligibility Criteria Present
- Restrictions/Eligibility Criteria Present
Restrictions/Eligibility Criteria
- Must have had a domestic violence incident. Accepts children of any gender up to age 18. Anyone who identifies with the gender population served (women) can access services if they have also experienced domestic violence or assualt.
Age Prioritized – Min
- 0
Age
- Children (0-12)
- Youth (13-18)
- Adults (19-64)
- Seniors (65+)
Gender
- Cisgender Women
- Transgender Women
- Non-Binary
Race & Ethnicity
- Alaska Native
- Arab / Middle Eastern
- Asian: Central Asian / Asian American
- Asian: East Asian / Asian American
- Asian: South Asian / Asian American
- Asian: West Asian / Asian American
- Balkan / Bosnian
- Biethnic / Multiethnic
- Biracial / Multiracial
- Black / African-American / African Descent
- Hispanic
- Latine / Latinx
- Native American / Indigenous / First People / American Indian
- Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
- White / Caucasian / European American
- Jewish
Citizenship Status
- U.S. Citizen
Immigration Status
- Unknown/NA
Victim/Survivor of Relationship/Sexual Violence
- Yes
Parent Status
- Yes
Pregnancy Status
- Yes
Housing Status
- Unhoused
Locations Served
Geographically Bound
- Yes
Location(s) Served Notes
- United States
Identity Affirming Vetting Policies
Vetted or Listed As Queer-Affirming
- Yes: Vetted by STLAVP
Vetted or Listed As Trans-Affirming
- Yes: Trained by THISTL
- Yes: Vetted by THISTL
Sexual Orientation-Affirming Policies
- Has Confidentiality Policies around Sexual Orientation
- Has Anti-Discrimination Policies around Sexual Orientation
- Has Anti-Harassment Policies around Sexual Orientation
- Uses Intake Paperwork with Inclusive Language for Sexual Orientation
- Staff is Trained in LGBTQIA+ Issues
- Curriculum or Content Includes LGBTQIA+ Perspectives
- Hiring Policies Promote Sexuality Diversity Among Staff
- Service & Outreach Policies Promote Sexuality Diversity Among Clientele
Gender Identity-Affirming Policies
- Has Confidentiality Policies around Gender Identity & Gender Expression
- Has Anti-Discrimination Policies around Gender Identity & Gender Expression
- Has Anti-Harassment Policies around Gender Identity & Gender Expression
- Dress Code Includes Diverse Gender Expressions
- Asks For & Respects People's Pronouns
- Uses Intake Paperwork with Inclusive Language for Gender & Pronouns
- Offers Gender-Neutral Bathrooms, Single Stall Bathrooms, or Private Changing Areas
- Staff is Trained in Trans Issues
- Uses Gender-Inclusive Language in Daily Communications
- Curriculum or Content Includes Trans Perspectives
- Supports Gender-Affirming Self-Care Rituals (e.g. Binding, Tucking, Packing)
- Service & Outreach Policies Promote Gender Diversity Among Clientele
- Hiring Policies Promote Gender Diversity Among Staff
Gender Identity-Affirming Policies Notes
- Anyone who identifies as a woman is eligible (trans women, cis women, and nonbinary women).
Immigrant-Affirming Policies
- Has Confidentiality Policies around Citizenship & Immigration Status
- Has Anti-Discrimination Policies around Citizenship & Immigration Status
- Has Anti-Harassment Policies around Citizenship & Immigration Status
- Works With Undocumented Immigrants Without Involving Institutional Authorities
- Dress Code Includes Diverse Cultural Expressions
- Staff is Trained in Immigration Issues
- Uses Intake Paperwork with Inclusive Language for Citizenship & Immigration Status
- Uses Immigrant-Inclusive Language in Daily Communications
- Curriculum or Content Includes Immigrant Perspectives
- Service & Outreach Policies Promote Citizenship & Immigration Status Diversity
- Hiring Policies Promote Citizenship & Immigration Status Diversity Among Staff
Black/BIPOC-Affirming Policies
- Has Anti-Discrimination Policies around Race & Ethnicity
- Has Anti-Harassment Policies around Race & Ethnicity
- Works With Black & Brown People Without Involving Institutional Authorities
- Dress Code Includes Diverse Racial & Ethnic Norms
- Uses Intake Paperwork with Inclusive Language for Race & Ethnicity
- Uses Black/BIPOC-Inclusive Language in Daily Communications
- Staff is Trained in Race & Ethnicity Issues
- Curriculum or Content Includes Black/BIPOC Perspectives
- Service & Outreach Policies Promote Racial & Ethnic Diversity Among Clientele
- Hiring Policies Promote Racial & Ethnic Diversity Among Staff