Genesis House Uses Safe At Home Program To Keep Victims Confidential

A state program called Safe at Home has helped the Genesis House keep domestic violent victims confidential.

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett highlighted the program as a part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Executive Director Melissa Garrett said the program provides victims a substitute address so they cannot be tracked after relocating from a dangerous situation.

“The last thing they need is for someone to track them down through the postal service,” Garrett said. “So, it has allowed us another security blanket on top of our confidentiality on our shelter to be able to provide them.”

Garrett said the Genesis House has participated in the state program for several years. Garrett said the substitute address can be used by each family member in almost all aspects such as schools and benefit enrollments.

“It has been extremely helpful,” Garrett said. “Our service area is a nine-county area in the Upper Cumberland, but that is just stating that we have advocates who go into these areas and are present for outreach. But our program there is no boundaries, so when we have people coming from different locations in serious situations, it has been imperative to get their applications completed to start receiving mail so they can’t be tracked.”

Garrett said the organization offers each victim in at the Genesis House the opportunity to apply for the address.