The Women's Safe House
Queer 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.
Services:
- Shelter & meals
- After-care program
- Court advocacy
- Housing advocacy and referrals
- Living skills, financial literacy and parenting classes
- On-site nurse
- Professional therapy for women and children
- Structured program for children
- Support groups for women and children shelter residents
- Limited transportation
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.
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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 male children up to age 17. Anyone who identifies with the gender population served (women) can access services.
Age
- Children (0-12)
- Youth (13-18)
- Adults (19-64)
Gender
- Cisgender Women
- Transgender Women
Victim/Survivor of Relationship/Sexual Violence
- 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
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
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