Have Questions About Our Shelter? Here Are Some Frequently Asked Questions

If you are in need of shelter due to domestic violence, please call our 24-hour crisis line at 217-243-4357 or 1-877-243-5357. A trained advocate will complete an assessment over the phone to determine your eligibility.

Please do not hesitate to call our crisis line if you need a safe place to stay. When the shelter is full, advocates can assist you with a safety plan, evaluate what options may be available, and assess other ways we can help you get safe.

Our shelter is located at 325 9th Ave., in Jacksonville, Illinois, 62650.

Our shelter is secured and monitored 24/7 with video recording.

The shelter is a 30-day program.

Advocates can help connect participants with available resources to determine what safe housing will look like after their emergency shelter stay. Options may include:

• Getting into a new place.
• Increasing the safety of their current home.
• Relocating.
• Utilizing other shelters and housing services.

Each participant determines what available housing options best fit their needs.

Residents are welcome to bring their vehicles with them into the program.

We encourage participants to bring any important documents (i.e., identification, birth certificates, social security cards, children’s immunization records, insurance paperwork, court orders, etc.) along with a few changes of clothing and a favorite toy. Storage is very limited at the shelter. Participants are asked not to bring more than two bags. Food, toiletry items, and bed linens are provided.  

CCF does not require residents to quit their jobs or take time off work. Many survivors are entitled to employment protections. Advocates can discuss options and assist participants with safety plans. It is always up to the individual whether or not they want to continue working while in the program.

Advocates can only provide childcare during scheduled appointments with CCF staff. Participants are referred to local agencies for assistance and encouraged to use safe friends or family.

Children living at the shelter are required to be enrolled in school. Children can stay at their previous school, transfer to another school, or request to be put on temporary independent study.

CCF does not have the resources to always provide transportation. Bus passes may be available for residents on a first-come, first-serve basis.

CCF shelter does not have in-shelter accommodations for pets. If you have a pet, please notify the advocate during your assessment on the crisis line. We will need some information about your pet(s) and will attempt to connect you with a safe kennel option.