Underground Railroad provides emergency shelter to survivors of abuse. The safety of survivors is the primary concern in determining requests for emergency shelter. URR will never turn away a survivor in imminent danger.
Admission of Survivors Identifying as LGBTQ
It is the mission of Underground Railroad to extend safety and support services to all survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking without regard to their gender/sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. When the survivor identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community, a shelter staff will talk to the LGBTQ survivor about any safety concerns and privacy needs. If a survivor expresses concern, we suggest that staff can offer LGBTQ survivors a bed or room that is closer to Residential Advocacy staff. Staff can offer LGBTQ survivors a single room (if available, or when one becomes available), but should not require it. Any survivor with child(ren) will automatically be given their own room.
Shelter guests will be treated according to their self-reported gender identity regardless of appearance, genital or other physical characteristics, or inconsistent legal documentation (such as a driver’s license or state ID).
