Houston Area Women's Center Opens One Safe Place Houston, a First-of-Its-Kind Campus for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
The Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) has officially launched Phase One of One Safe Place Houston, a landmark achievement in the city's ongoing fight against domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking. Unveiled at a press conference on March 25, the 5.5-acre secure campus south of the Texas Medical Center offers an unprecedented model of wraparound, trauma-informed care for survivors and their children.
The opening comes amid rising concern across the Houston region. In 2024, one in four homicides in Houston were the result of intimate partner violence (IPV)—a tragic statistic underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive solutions. “Domestic violence is not just a private matter; it’s a public health crisis affecting people across our city,” stated Emilee Whitehurst, CEO of HAWC. “One Safe Place Houston is our boldest response yet.”
A Safe, Comprehensive Healing Environment
The first-of-its-kind and one-of-a-kind campus, fully owned and operated by HAWC, reimagines survivor housing through a secure, disclosed location and features more than 135 supportive housing units—including 90 one-bedroom apartments for families and 45 double-occupancy efficiency units for single adults. The campus has capacity for up to 360 residents and includes a café that serves three meals and two snacks daily, as well as a bodega stocked with free household goods and sundries.
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“From the outside in, this is a place built with purpose, intention, and love,” Whitehurst said during the press conference, which also featured remarks from Mayor John Whitmire, District Attorney Sean Teare, Commissioners Rodney Ellis and Lesley Briones, and Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz.
Core Services Tailored for Survivors
At the heart of the campus is a 24-hour Crisis Response and Assessment Center, offering immediate assistance, trauma-informed intake, access to forensic medical exams, showers, and space to rest.
The on-site Survivor Empowerment Hub provides vital economic support services, including:
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20+ computer workstations for online learning
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A resource library
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A training room for life skills and workforce development
These services are designed to help survivors reclaim their independence, rebuild self-esteem, and achieve financial stability.
The Behavioral Health and Wellbeing Center offers individual and group counseling, a snack bar, and even a hair salon, recognizing the holistic needs of survivors on their path to healing.
“This campus radically reimagines what housing should look like for a survivor on their transformative journey,” HAWC leadership shared in a release. “It’s more than shelter—it’s empowerment, security, and a path forward.”
Child and Youth Services, Legal Advocacy, and Prevention
For families, the campus includes a Children & Youth Learning and Enrichment Center, featuring:
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An on-site HISD elementary school (K–5)
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A childcare center for infants to age 5 with extended hours
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A teen lounge and youth enrichment room
Survivors also have access to trained legal advocates and volunteer attorneys who support engagement with the legal system, including forensic interviews, protective orders, and court accompaniment.
In a forward-thinking move, the campus also houses a Violence Prevention Teaching Institute, equipped with multi-use training spaces and a media center to help educate the broader community on violence prevention and interrupting cycles of abuse.
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Designed with Dignity, Security, and Community
The campus is designed with dignity, safety, and accessibility at its core. Features include:
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A secure perimeter with controlled entry, a 10+ foot wall, and firearm detection
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24-hour monitoring across more than 50 security cameras
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Outdoor spaces such as butterfly and survivor gardens, children’s playgrounds, a basketball half-court, and a tree-lined park with a vegetable garden
HAWC’s new headquarters on-site also includes a Collaboration Hub, providing offices and shared meeting space for strategic partners and volunteers.
A Vision Rooted in Community and Corporate Engagement
Founded in 1977, the Houston Area Women’s Center has grown from a small volunteer-driven operation to a multi-lingual, multi-racial agency with 190 staff members and a volunteer base of more than 1,000. The organization offers both residential and non-residential services and has been a lifeline for countless survivors over nearly five decades.
HAWC emphasizes that community and corporate support will be critical to ensuring the campus’s long-term success. “Domestic and sexual violence affects all segments of society—including the corporate sector,” noted HAWC in a call to action. “We invite business leaders to invest in this transformative work and help create sustainable solutions for future generations.”
A New Era for Survivor Support in Houston
As residents begin moving into the campus this April, HAWC’s team believes One Safe Place Houston will set a new national standard for survivor-centered care.
“We believe safety is a shared responsibility among law enforcement, prosecutors, advocacy agencies, and the public,” Whitehurst said. “This campus is a promise—that we will never stop fighting for a future defined by safe relationships and caring communities.”
If you or someone you know needs help, call HAWC’s 24/7 confidential hotline at 713-528-2121. To support One Safe Place Houston or learn more, visit www.hawc.org.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
