Center for Domestic Peace is the only organization in Marin County that provides transitional housing coupled with support programs specifically for domestic violence victims. Second Step was one of the first such programs of its type in the nation when it opened in 1983.
Center for Domestic Peace provides emergency shelter and safe, confidential housing for survivors of domestic violence and sex trafficking and their children. Located at an undisclosed site in Marin County, our emergency housing facility offers immediate refuge for individuals and families with no other safe options. Our shelter has nine bedrooms and 23 beds, providing critical space for survivors to begin healing in a secure and supportive environment.
With the help of our compassionate staff, survivors can begin to rebuild their lives, access essential services, and plan for a transition to permanent, violence-free housing. Our trained hotline staff are available 24/7 to help assess your safety and determine whether emergency shelter or another housing option is the best next step.
At Center for Domestic Peace, we connect survivors of domestic violence and sex trafficking to confidential medical services through partnerships with local healthcare providers, ensuring they receive comprehensive care for both immediate and long-term health needs.
Center for Domestic Peace offers essential food and clothing to residents of our emergency shelter and connects them with additional resources to ensure their ongoing well-being.
We offer limited transportation resources and support survivors in accessing childcare services to help them navigate their daily responsibilities and ensure their well-being.
We help survivors find permanent housing options to transition from our shelter or transitional housing program, and we provide limited financial assistance to support their move.
Second Step provides long-term transitional housing, support services, and economic development tools for women and their children who have been victims of domestic violence. In this supportive environment, women can seek job training, employment, and permanent housing to develop the necessary skills to start new lives that are free of violence.
Individual therapy/coaching is provided by certified domestic violence advocates trained on coaching skills. We offer domestic violence and healthy relating education.
Through one-on-one economic/occupational empowerment case management, an economic empowerment advocate works with residents individually to accomplish financial, career, and permanent housing goals. Residents can access our career center hub located in our office space with computers to search for jobs, send email, write resumes, use a career profiler, etc. Additionally, we help with budgeting, credit clean up, resumes and cover letters, securing childcare, etc.
“My Business Model” is a workshop series designed to help residents who want to start a business. The class focuses on everything from creating a business vision; planning operations; sales forecast; profit & loss statements; and how to secure funding. In addition to gaining in-depth knowledge about starting a business, residents state that they are able to better define their unique business interests and skills as a result of participation in the class.
Weekly resident community meetings address parenting, housing search workshops, cultural competency activities, financial education, community resources, and safety planning.
Residents Council meetings are intended to develop leadership and engage participants in the community (fun activities and giving back to the community via food and clothing drives).
As part of our commitment to long-term healing, we offer several opportunities for connection and growth after the transitional housing program ends. Children can express themselves and build confidence through weekly art groups. Families are invited to participate in recreational outings and community gatherings that foster joy and social connection. We also provide ongoing alumni support to help individuals stay connected and continue building a life free from violence.
Ever wonder what it’s really like for the children who stay in our emergency shelter and transitional housing? Come have a first ever “look inside” our housing programs and our work with children in a short documentary film. Come find out what we are doing to offer hope and healing to so many!