Calvert County's Safe Harbor Program moves under nonprofit umbrella

Calvert County will transfer management of the Safe Harbor shelter to the Calvert Safe Housing Network in fiscal year 2027 with county support. The nonprofit, founded in early 2025, has provided short-term housing and other services to survivors and has helped 31 adults and 21 children, with 13 survivors placed in independent housing.

Calvert County is preparing to move its Safe Harbor shelter program from the county Health Department to the nonprofit Calvert Safe Housing Network in fiscal year 2027. The transfer follows work by the new nonprofit since its founding in early 2025. Calvert Safe Housing Network focuses on short-term housing and longer-term solutions for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. County officials discussed the change at a January 13 meeting. Key facts: - Safe Harbor is currently operated by the Calvert County Health Department and is scheduled to transfer to the Calvert Safe Housing Network with county support in fiscal year 2027. - Calvert Safe Housing Network was founded in early 2025 and says its mission is to provide short-term housing and work on long-term solutions for survivors. - The nonprofit’s programs include short-term housing up to six months, affordable housing placement, emergency financial assistance, crisis intervention, case management and safety planning. - Since its founding, the organization has helped 31 adults and 21 children escape abuse and assisted 13 survivors in finding affordable, independent housing. - County Commissioners and community leaders praised the nonprofit’s rapid start and noted housing and case management as recurring service gaps. Summary: The transfer will shift day-to-day shelter management from a county department to a local nonprofit that has been providing housing-centered services for survivors. County officials expressed support for the move and the management change is scheduled for fiscal year 2027. Undetermined at this time.