Frequently Asked Questions

 

Are you an orphanage?
No. Frida Hartley Shelter is a place of refuge or safe haven for women who find homeless themselves destitute or homeless due to a plethora of reasons. We do not take in unaccompanied children.

If I need immediate shelter can I come to FHS?
Our organisation follows strict rules and procedures set out by our Board which aid in protecting the women and children in our care. We therefore conduct a pre-screening assessment to determine if you meet the criteria of FHS, followed by an admissions
assessment to determine if we can assist you in your journey of rehabilitation. However you can reach out to The National Shelter Movement of South Africa emergency crisis centre on 0800 001 005 or visit www.nsmsa.org.za for urgent shelter.

Is FHS a 24hr centre?
No. Our operating hours are Monday to Friday 8:00-17:00 and Saturdays 10:00-16:00

What is the cost of staying at FHS?
There are no costs/fees required to stay at FHS. We are a fully donor funded organisation and require no payments from the people we assist.

Is your organisation a rape crisis centre?
No. However, our strategic partners TEARS Foundation assists in these cases www.tears.co.za

I am 16 and looking for a shelter, can you assist?
Unfortunately FHS does not accommodate unaccompanied minors.

I am pregnant and need shelter, can you assist?
FHS does not have qualified midwives/nurses on site therefore we refer pregnant women to organisations who specifically work with pregnant women to ensure they receive proper care.

Can I bring my belongings (furniture, home appliances, pets etc.) when I move in?
Unfortunately, FHS does not have adequate storage space and therefore advises residents to only bring their clothes, toiletry and small devices (laptop, cell phone, and dryer). Pets are not allowed on the premises.

I have a car, do you have safe parking for residents?
The FHS premises do not have parking space available.
 

Can I bring my children when I move in?
We can only accommodate mother and a maximum of 2 children. Boy children are only accepted up to the age of 6yrs old.

 

My husband and I just lost our home, can FHS accommodate us?
Although FHS strives to keep the family unit together, our premises are not equipped for family dwelling. We are happy to refer families to shelters nearby.

I suffer from a mental illness and take chronic medication, can FHS assist me with shelter?
FHS is a transient shelter, meaning we provide accommodation for a limited time and with basic counselling only. We therefore refer individuals who are on chronic medication for a mental illness to suitable shelters that can better assist.
 

I have just completed a substance abuse program and in need of shelter, can FHS help me?
FHS is a transient shelter. We are unable to provide adequate support to individuals post their substance abuse program

Do you take in members of the LGBQTIA community?
FHS promotes inclusion in our society and members of the LGBTQIA community are welcome to contact us for assistance. Our

pre-screening and admissions process will aid us in determining if we are able to assist.