Safety is a Human Right

For Abdul, safety is being able to sleep with both eyes closed.

When his mother passed away when he was 17, he ended up without a home. He moved from shelter to shelter and had to sleep on the subway. When he found Safe Horizon’s Streetwork Project, he was able to finally rest.

Now, Abdul works for Streetwork as a Youth Services Aide, helping other young people get whatever help they need.

When Celines’ ex tried to strangle her, she knew that she had to leave. Safe Horizon helped her find shelter for her and her son. They arrived at their domestic violence shelter and were treated with so much care—Celines instantly felt safe and free, for the first time in years.

Safety is knowing she’ll never feel his hands on her neck again.

Heather’s nephew Keondre walked into the deli one day, just like any other New Yorker. But he never came back out. He was shot multiple times and lost his life, at only 18. Life came crashing down for Heather and for her whole neighborhood.

Through Safe Horizon, Heather found grief counseling to help her talk through her feelings. She got the support she needed and now has the strength to keep fighting for her loved ones and neighbors around her.

Safety is her community.

Kumarie had been in two abusive relationships. Her neighbors told her that they would hear her four young daughters crying out in fear. When she was ready to leave her marriage to build a safer life for her and her daughters, Safe Horizon was there.

Safe Horizon’s advocates helped her secure custody, find support groups, and receive counseling. They reminded her that she mattered and had every right to protect her family.

Now, Kumarie has the strength to nurture her daughters’ talents and their cries have blossomed into incredible musical voices. For Kumarie, safety is hearing her daughters now sing with joy.

Loida and her husband Norman came from the Philippines to the United States after they were promised stable jobs. Instead, they found themselves forced into unpaid physical labor with little food or water.

They contacted Safe Horizon, where someone finally asked about their safety and well-being. After working with our Anti-Trafficking Program, Loida and Norman were able to rebuild their lives.

To Loida and Norman, safety was knowing they deserved freedom.

Shamarii was in a physically abusive relationship. When she called Safe Horizon’s Hotline, an advocate answered on the first ring.

Shamarii and her son found safe shelter, and she started working through her trauma with support from counselors.

To Shamarii, safety is like breathing. She’s exhaling the past, and inhaling the future.