About Us
River Haven's willingness to help people in this position is 5-star
Ben- Resident and Current House Assistant
Our Story
River Haven homeless shelter opened in 2007 after a group of community members realized the need for services for people facing homelessness. River Haven now operates as 2 buildings, one for women and families, and one for single men. River Haven also utilizes an administrative office for case management and other resident and community resource needs.
River Haven is run by a full time Executive Director and a part time Case Manager. The shelter and staff are overseen by a 9 member Board of Directors. All costs of running the shelter are grant and or donation funded. Each shelter has a house assistant that provides oversight of the shelter outside office hours. In addition to serving residents River Haven staff provide resources and referrals to other service providers in the community. During their 30 day stay in the shelter, residents receive personalized case management to set goals and overcome the barriers that prevent them from obtaining safe and stable housing. River Haven also administers the PACAP- Portage Area Community Assistance Program, a clergy funded assistance program that can assist with a variety of needs for persons in the Portage school district. River Haven is currently embarking on a Capital Campaign to raise funds to build a new shelter on the site of the current family shelter. This would allow shelter staff to provide safe and secure shelter and resources, while also providing much needed office and meeting space all on one property.
1,000+
Lives Touched
By River Haven Services
since opeing in 2007
10
Volunteers
Regular help means so much to us
91
Residents Annually
On average, 11 families, 33 women, and 47 men come through our shelters each year
Our Mission
To provide safe, temporary shelter for homeless individuals and families while providing guidance and connecting them to community resources to promote their independence
Hear From Residents:
Tina
"At one time I had normal life. I had job, was married and purchasing home. I had car accident and my life went into downward spiral. I was put on pain medication, it became long term. I became addicted to them, which later turned into street drugs. I became reoffending person of the legal system. I lost everything including myself through this. In 2022 I once again was arrested, spent time incarcerated. From there I went to a long term inpatient treatment. Upon successful completion of treatment, I was homeless. I had been homeless for couple years, always finding people to stay with. The difference this time was I had no where to go other then back to the life I was trying to change. I could have moved back in with friends that were still using drugs. I did contact River Haven family shelter. Just as I was getting ready to accept that I would have to stay with old friends, I got a call from River Haven and could come that day. I found a ride and entered the shelter that day. I was so relieved, I felt I really had a chance to continue with my sobriety and to become productive member of society once again. I settled in quickly. River Haven connected me to resources that could help me in my goal. I met daily with case manager to go over my progress. I became house assistant which gave me the ability to give back to River Haven during my time there. I connected with a church, 12 step meetings and community resources to help me with my goals. I was awarded grant through resources from River Haven to get my own apartment. I did move into an apartment in September 2023, where I remain. I had nothing to start my own place as I lost everything in my active using of drugs. River Haven helped me with the basics of setting up my apartment along with the church I'm still actively involved with. It has made it possible for me to continue with my sobriety and to stay connected with resources I need. I recently celebrated two years of sobriety and continue moving forward with my life. I'm so grateful for my time at River Haven and continue to stay in contact with them."
Ben
"Time with Shelter was very good. I was almost turned away due to a situation but your group got me in right away. Your group has done everything you could to help me.
Set hoops ablaze (hoops are the barriers I needed to overcome to receive services. River Haven helped me blaze through them.) .
Your willingness to help people in this situation is 5-star!"
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