Local Response to Closure of Kenosha County’s ONLY Domestic Violence Shelter

KENOSHA — Kenosha County’s only domestic violence shelter has temporarily closed its doors.

The Horizons Shelter for Women and Children administrative office will be open during opening hours, despite the shelter being closed.

As a result, other groups have had to rush to help victims of domestic violence find a place to sleep.

“We never want to be in a position where we have to reject survivors,” said NDV Healing & Support Inc. founder Theresa Simon.

Teresa Simon — Theresa Simon, executive director of NDV Healing & Support Inc., says her organization has received many calls from women seeking help because the shelter is closed.

New calls are pouring in to the phones of Simon and her nonprofit, NDV Healing & Support.

“So people were calling and letting us know that they had called them and that they were reaching out to us with the hope that we could provide shelter for them,” Simon explained.

Unfortunately, Simon’s organization does not have the funds to provide housing. That is why the work that Women and Children’s Horizons does is so important.

Watch: Founder Reacts to Closing of Kenosha County’s ONLY Domestic Violence Shelter

Founder Responds to Temporary Closure of Kenosha County’s ONLY Domestic Violence Shelter

“We are closed because we are short-staffed,” Women and Children’s Horizons executive director Yvonne MacDonald-Hames said by phone.

MacDonald-Hames said the closure will likely last several weeks. The organization is looking to hire at least a few people to work there.

“I mean, it’s a disservice to the community. We definitely, you know, think it’s incredibly unfortunate. It’s not something we wanted to do,” MacDonald-Hames explained.

Simon knows the feeling of having nowhere to turn because she is a victim of domestic violence herself.

“There are so many women, children and victims of domestic violence who literally have to choose between going back to their abusive partner or being homeless with their children. No one should have to make that decision,” Simon explained.

Simon is now pleading with the county for more resources and funding. “We desperately need your help,” she said.

Kenosha County officials said in a statement:

“The Executive Director of Women & Children’s Horizons has reached out to community partners for help. Women & Children’s continues to operate its hotline from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Families experiencing domestic violence can also call the county’s crisis line, which is open 24/7, for help and resources. The line is 262-657-7188.”

Meanwhile, Women and Children’s Horizons said if you need referrals to other domestic violence shelters, you can call its crisis hotline between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

This number is 262-652-9900

Simon also has services available. You can contact NDV Healing & Support Inc by clicking this link or you can call them at 24/7 Main Line & Support: (262)-914-8653

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