The Family Crisis Shelter
Introduction: The Family Crisis Shelter was established in September 1979, in Williston, North Dakota
The Family Crisis Shelter is a 24-hour, 7 day-a-week, crisis intervention program for victims and families of domestic violence and sexual assault, serving a tri-county area of northwestern North Dakota. In February, 1978, a task force composed of concerned citizens met to determine the need for a shelter for victims of domestic violence. The task force researched the concept for several months and determined that such a service was very much needed. The Tri-County Mental Health became involved and a local organization offered to donate a house for such a purpose. A small core of volunteers were trained to work with clients. Donations of food and household furnishing were solicited, and on September 10, 1979 the first shelter in North Dakota opened its doors in Williston.
In 1988, the Family Crisis Shelter program expanded to include victims of sexual assault. Services offered include information, referrals, education, advocacy, housing/emergency shelter, and peer support to victims and their families. Just two short years later in 1990, Metropolitan Federal Bank donated an apartment house to the Family Crisis Shelter which is used as an emergency safe home for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Family Crisis Shelter provides a safe refuge for victims of domestic violence & sexual assault in the counties of Divide, McKenzie, and Williams. The tri-county area served by the Family Crisis Shelter is a rural area covering approximately 11,000 square miles in northwestern North Dakota. The Family Crisis Shelter is the only shelter within a 130 mile radius to specifically assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
