If you are reading this right now and you are afraid, I want you to take a deep breath. You might be hiding in a bathroom, scrolling quickly on your phone, or sitting in your car, wondering where to go, or just waiting in silence for the next unpredictable thing to happen in your home. Wherever you are in this moment, I am so glad you found us.
You Are Not Alone
The isolation is often the heaviest part of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The person hurting you might have told you that no one will believe you, that you have nowhere to go, or that this is somehow your fault. I want to tell you clearly and with absolute certainty: it is not your fault. You do not deserve to be hurt, controlled, or afraid. You deserve to be safe, to be heard, and to be treated with dignity. Most importantly, you are not alone. There is a whole team of people here who are ready to stand beside you the moment you reach out.
What We Do
At Shelter Home of the Foothills, our only goal is to help you find safety and healing. We offer all of our services completely free of charge, with compassion and without judgment:
- 24/7 Emergency Shelter — We have a 56-bed capacity across our secure, confidential locations. We never turn anyone away who is in danger.
- 24/7 Crisis Hotline — We are awake and ready to answer your call every hour of every day, whether you need immediate shelter or just someone to talk to.
- Transportation & Safety Planning — We will help you figure out how to leave safely and can help arrange transportation to get you out of harm's way.
- Legal Advocacy — You don't have to face the legal system alone. We will sit beside you in court and help you file for protective orders in Alexander, Caldwell, and Catawba Counties.
- Trauma-Informed Counseling — We offer gentle, specialized therapy for both you and your children to help heal the unseen emotional wounds.
- Plum Blossom SAFE Center — We provide a private, compassionate space for sexual assault forensic exams (SANE services) for survivors of rape and sexual assault.
- Community Outreach — We work across our region to support unsheltered victims and provide vital education to prevent violence before it begins.
You Don't Have to Have a Plan
Sometimes the thought of leaving feels impossible because you don't know what comes next. How will you pay for things? Where will the kids go to school? What will you do tomorrow?
I want to reassure you: you do not need to have the answers right now. You don't need to have a perfect plan, or money saved up, or absolute certainty about the future. You only need to make one phone call. We will help you figure out the rest, one step, one day at a time.
"Reaching out takes unimaginable courage. But the moment you make that call, you are no longer carrying this burden alone. We will carry it with you."
— LISA A. CLONTZ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
For Those Who Love Someone in Danger
If you suspect a friend, family member, or coworker is being abused or trafficked, you may feel helpless. The most powerful thing you can do is listen without judgment. Tell them, "I believe you, and I am here for you."
Do not pressure them to leave before they are ready—leaving is the most dangerous time for a victim of domestic violence. Instead, remind them of their worth, let them know you will support their decisions, and gently offer our hotline number when it is safe for them to have it
If you need help, we are here:
Crisis Line: (828) 758-7088 — Available 24/7
Admin: (828) 758-0888 | www.shelterhomecc.org
How to Help Our Mission
For our community members reading this who want to help—our work relies entirely on your compassion. If you want to stand with survivors, please consider donating, volunteering, or partnering with us. Your support ensures that when someone reaches out in their darkest and most terrifying moment, our doors are open and our phones are answered.
To anyone reading this who is hurting: Please, stay safe. Whenever you are ready, we are here waiting for you.
With warmth and hope,
Lisa A. Clontz
Executive Director, Shelter Home of the Foothills