Harmony House

Our Mission Statement: The mission of Harmony House is to provide shelter, advocacy and education to survivors of domestic violence and promote the principle that all individuals have the right to a life free of abuse. History: Started by a concerned group of community members in 1976, Harmony House has been providing shelter and support services to domestic violence survivors ever since and has impacted the lives of the 20,462 women, men and children who have been served to date. The center began as a grassroots all-volunteer organization with the first survivors being sheltered in volunteers’ homes and area hotels, then in rented shelter homes. Harmony House was incorporated on May 10, 1976 as the Family Violence Center. In 1977, the first shelter was established at 624 Clay Street. In 1978, the hotline for domestic violence was established. In 1986, the shelter moved to a larger facility at 1021 E. Walnut Street Properties donated by Carol Jones and Bee Payne Stewart in 1996 enabled the shelter to expand services yet again. In 1997, transitional housing services were established. In 1999, the childcare building was constructed and daycare services and recreational activities for children were added. In 2005 and again in 2007, internal renovations to the shelter increased capacity to 110 beds. In 2007, outreach services began. In 2010, the name of the organization changed to Harmony House. In 2017, Harmony House moved into a new facility at 3404 E. Ridgeview Street in Springfield, expanding capacity from 110 to 168 beds and making Harmony House the largest DV shelter in Missouri.

Harmony House empowers survivors to rebuild independent lives. Through our 24-hour SAFEline, emergency shelter and outreach programs, we provide temporary safe shelter, essentials such as meals, clothing and hygiene products as well as support services to help survivors break the cycle of abuse. Harmony House services and programs are free and confidential.