Calvert County Government, in partnership with Calvert Safe Housing Network and the Calvert County Health Department, announced that Calvert Safe Housing Network will take over operation of the Safe Harbor domestic violence shelter in July 2026.
Safe Harbor opened in 1992 under the Calvert County Health Department’s Crisis Intervention Center. For 34 years it has been the only domestic violence shelter program in Maryland administered directly by a health department. The facility provides emergency shelter, mental health services, drug treatment, prevention education and parenting support for women and children escaping abuse.
The Safe Harbor Inc. board recently merged with Calvert Safe Housing Network. Contributions previously directed to Safe Harbor will now go to the nonprofit. The transition is designed to streamline administrative processes, enhance services and expand development efforts for survivors.
“We are excited for this opportunity to enhance services, streamline administrative processes and expand development efforts for the shelter,” said Jennifer Moreland, director of Community Resources for Calvert County.
Calvert Safe Housing Network’s mission is to enable individuals, families and communities to recover and rebuild from domestic violence and sexual assault. The organization focuses on immediate life-saving shelter while building long-term housing stability so survivors do not have to choose between safety and a home.
The change will support expanded services including housing case management, onsite counseling and strengthened advocacy that combines professionals with individuals who have lived experience. Southern Maryland survivors have faced challenges with housing instability, transportation and access to coordinated care. The nonprofit model is expected to improve those outcomes by leveraging specialized expertise in transitional and permanent supportive housing.
Calvert County has taken additional steps to address long-term needs. In January 2026 the county received $300,000 in state funding to plan a new transitional housing project for domestic violence survivors that includes housing units and a resource center.
Safe Harbor has served hundreds of women and children over the decades. In one recent year it provided more than 2,700 bed nights. The shelter remains a critical resource in a region where domestic violence affects families regardless of age, gender, race or income. October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and local efforts include “Go Purple” campaigns to highlight the issue.
The transition does not affect current shelter operations or access for those in need. Residents and advocates can find updated information and resources on the county’s domestic violence page.
