Swain QualiSAFE tells commissioners demand for shelter and crisis services is rising

Laura Mason, executive director of Swain QualiSAFE, briefed the Swain County Board of Commissioners on the nonprofit’s operations and growing demand for domestic-violence and sexual-assault services.

Mason said Swain QualiSAFE is the county’s only provider of 24/7 crisis hotline and emergency shelter services. She reported the organization served 803 new and continuing clients over the past two years, with 638 being county residents; provided more than 2,000 nights of emergency shelter; and assisted about 300 clients in court. Mason said services are free and confidential and serve both women and men.

She described recent grant-funded renovations to the emergency shelter and administrative office intended to increase safety and capacity, including separate living units to allow housing of men and women separately. Mason said the organization is operating with a small staff that covers crisis response around the clock and noted continuing operating-cost pressures and limited unrestricted funding. She asked commissioners to consider continued county partnership and support as Swain QualiSAFE pursues additional funding and expansion.

Commissioners thanked Mason and did not take formal action during the session.