The first and only of its kind in Kenya, our Safe House Program is a transitional shelter that provides protection and recovery to unaccompanied and separated refugee girls under 18 years old and their children. We are a registered shelter program, Children's Charitable Institution (CCI) under the Kenyan Children’s Department. Approximately half of Heshima’s Safe House Program residents have young children of their own.

Providing Protection: Currently located in a safe suburb in Nairobi, The Safe House is managed by supportive case management staff 24-hours a day in order to care for the residents around the clock, and is protected by 24-hour security guards onsite. The length of time a participant stays in the Safe House depends on individual circumstances.  

Supplying Support: All residents receive intensive case management support, including counseling, material support, medical and legal support, family tracing, and life skill classes about HIV prevention, conflict prevention, child care, and other life-skills. 

Creating Community: The program works to promote psychosocial healing by structuring a daily routine of games, homework, sports competitions, movies, chores, and gardening.

Increasing Independence: Heshima Kenya is developing positive exit strategies, such as the Maisha Collective, for girls and young women who reside at the Safe House.  The ultimate goal is to link residents to alternative care arrangements within the community. Many Heshima girls who have exited the Safe House and joined the Maisha Collective are now living together in nearby communities.