FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How many rooms are available at the shelter? How long can I stay at the shelter? What services are available to me if I am a victim of domestic violence and I do not need shelter? Are my children allowed to accompany me to the shelter, and is there an age limit? Does your agency provide childcare? Are pets allowed? What expenses do I need to plan for? Do you provide transportation? How do I access services from COPE? What responsibilities does a client have while staying at the shelter? How many rooms are available at the shelter? Our shelter has seven bedrooms, including one adjoining a bathroom that has been specially equipped for the handicapped. There are two bunk beds per bedroom, for a total of 28 beds. Two bedrooms share each bathroom. The number of residents varies, so it’s a good idea to call our hotline before you come in to insure that space is available. In the rare instance that space is not available at our shelter, we refer clients to other shelters nearby. ^ Top How long can I stay at the shelter? There is no prescribed deadline by which clients must exit our shelter: the duration of shelter stay depends largely on the client’s needs. Each client is assigned an advocate who can connect her with resources and assist with goal setting, including eventually becoming independent of our shelter. Most clients are able to move out within two to three months. ^ Top What services are available to me if I am a victim of domestic violence and I do not need shelter? COPE provides many out-reach programs that can be utilized by a non-resident survivor and their family. One on one crisis intervention and case management is available to determine individual needs. Resources, counseling and referrals are available. Specific support groups in the evenings and on weekends, children's group and supportive parenting programs, as well as legal advocacy as needed. ^ Top Are my children allowed to accompany me to the shelter, and is there an age limit? Children up to the age of 18 are allowed to stay at the shelter if accompanied by their mothers. ^ Top Does your agency provide childcare? Our agency does not currently provide childcare while the mother is at work. Mothers must supervise their children at all times while in shelter. Childcare is available during support group and other activities. ^ Top Are pets allowed? We can arrange to shelter a small indoor dog or cat with a local veterinarian. Pets boarded at the vet’s office must be current on shots; financial assistance is available to help pay for the shots. We can also accommodate one dog outdoors, provided the dog is not a dangerous breed and that the client agrees to care for the dog. Only service animals are permitted inside the shelter building. We can provide pet food and supplies if needed. ^ Top What expenses do I need to plan for? All of our services are provided free of charge. We also supply food, bed and bath linens, emergency clothing and personal hygiene supplies free of charge. Our shelter is equipped with a laundry facility. Clients are expected to do their own laundry, as well as complete one or two basic household chores daily in order to keep the shelter area clean and safe. ^ Top Do you provide transportation? Our client advocates provide transportation for necessary trips such as job hunting, getting to and from work, and doctor appointments. ^ Top How do I access services from COPE? COPE has a 24 hour hotline 417-532-2885. ^ Top What responsibilities does a client have while staying at the shelter? Residents are expected to keep the bedroom and bathroom facility assigned to them clean, as well as to help keep the common areas of the shelter clean and safe by completing a couple of basic household chores daily. ^ Top Our Facilities  :  FAQ  :  Contact Us COPE is a member agency of the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence - www.mocadsv.org