FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is the typical victim?
Domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human
trafficking do not discriminate! Every race, religion and
economic group is affected. Annually, Underground
Railroad, Inc. provides shelter for over 400 women and
children, and over 4,000 families in Saginaw County
access one or more of our services.
Why don’t the victims just leave?
There are many reasons why victims don’t leave or often
return to the perpetrator. Each time the victim leaves, she
is stronger and more empowered to make decisions that
will change her life. Domestic violence, sexual
assault, stalking and human trafficking are crimes of
power and control. The most dangerous time for a
victim is after leaving and the assailant tries to
regain a position of power.
What if there are services needed that
Underground Railroad doesn’t provide?
Underground Railroad collaborates with t h e
community and connects survivors with the
appropriate community agency or service provider for
their needs.
How often can a person use
Underground Railroad Services?
Our services are available to anyone who needs them, as
often, and for as long as they need them, free of
charge.
UNDERGROUND
RAILROAD, INC.
OUR MISSION
Empower survivors and create a culture of SAFETY
safety and respect in our community.
EMPOWERMENT
In operation since 1977, Underground Railroad, Inc. is the
only provider of emergency shelter services in Saginaw for
CHANGE
victims of domestic and sexual violence.
In collaboration with the Statewide Human Trafficking
Task Force, Underground Railroad, Inc. formed the Mid-
Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force in 2012 in an effort
to educate, network and enhance community awareness
about Human Trafficking activities in Michigan.
The Saginaw County Sexual Violence Prevention Team
is made up of individuals who are doing work to end
sexual violence in our community, have a vested interest
in sexual violence prevention, or represent underserved
HELPLINE: (989) 755-0411
populations. TOLL FREE: 888-399-8385
The Empowerment Philosophy TEXT LINE: (989) 770-8892
Underground Railroad encourages the empowerment of Safety Center Direct Services:
victims and seeks social change, which addresses the (989) 755-0413
existing imbalance of power within violent relationships. 1230 S. Washington Ave • Saginaw, MI 48601
NO MAIL WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THIS ADDRESS
Victims have access to safety, information about
domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human Outreach/Administrative/Girls on the Run:
trafficking. They learn about available options, and (989) 399-0007
community resources, empowering them to make 5647 State Street • Suite A • Saginaw, MI 48603
informed choices for themselves and their children. SEND ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO THIS ADDRESS
Underground Railroad provides support and advocacy,
allowing victims to carry out their decisions with respect to
their rights and self-determination.

OUR SERVICES
All services are confidential, voluntary,
and free to all residents of Saginaw County.
A SUCCESS STORY Four weeks before Thanksgiving, Tracy, a pregnant mother of three, entered emergency shelter with her
children. Tracy and her kids had fled their home searching for safety from a husband and father who was verbally and physically abusive. Left
frightened and without income, she turned to URR for help. Tracy and her family were given the tools they needed to begin to heal. They were
met with a safe and comfortable place to sleep, clothing, food boxes, and transportation. Tracy and her family were connected to an
understanding staff of advocates and counselors. Two months later, Tracy and her family have finally begun to feel hopeful for their future. They
are looking forward to having a home of their own, and making it a peaceful and happy place to raise a brand new baby girl.

24/7 HELPLINE ADVOCACY, THERAPY & SUPPORT GROUPS SAFEPLACE SUPERVISED VISITATION
Our confidential helpline is available to support: Underground Railroad provides individual and group support & SAFE EXCHANGE
• Victims / survivors services to survivors of abuse, and secondary survivors. • Supervised parenting time
• Family
Advocates: Therapists: • Monitored Custody Exchange
• Friends
• Service providers • Listen and believe • Help process trauma (court-ordered fees may apply)
• Safety Plan • Provide coping skills
• Other concerned individuals
• Call 989-755-0411 or toll free 1-888-399-8385 • Provide resources/information • Set goals and plans
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
• TTY Text Line at 989-770-8892 Creating awareness of the issues and implementing prevention
• Spanish translation available CHILDREN’S/YOUTH SERVICES initiatives through:
• Prevention education in middle schools and high schools
EMERGENCY RESPONSE ON-CALL PROGRAM • Youth support group
• Parent support group
• Youth Advocate
• Youth Therapist
• Guest speakers on dating violence, domestic violence,
Advocates provide 24 hour coverage to assist survivors who sexual assault, human trafficking and stalking
• Licensed daycare • Children’s activities • Information booths
report an assault to hospital, clinic or law enforcement staff.
• To activate the on-call program: INDIVIDUALIZED ASSISTANCE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD RESALE STORE
• The survivor must be in a safe location
Assistance is tailored to the survivor’s needs and may include: • Revenue to fund emergency shelter and services
• The survivor must be willing to meet with someone
• 911 phones • Stalking safety kit • Donations accepted
• Call our helpline at 989-755-0411
• Clothing and personal care items • Basic household items
• Or toll free at 1-888-399-8385 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
EMERGENCY SHELTER HOUSING SUPPORT PROGRAMS Volunteer applications can be found online at
We provide a culturally sensitive, barrier-free environment for Housing programs are offered on availability and eligibility. They www.undergroundrailroadinc.org
survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human can be adapted to the needs of the survivor while preparing to • Undergraduate and graduate internships
trafficking & stalking. move into a place of their own. • Court advocacy
• Transitional Supportive Housing (TSH) - survivors may stay • Shelter advocacy
COURT SUPPORT PROGRAMS in TSH units for up to two years • Fundraisers and community events
• SafePlace monitors
Our office at the court house provides survivors with assistance • Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) - for survivors
for: • Underground Railroad Resale store
with disabilities
• Personal protection issues • Girls on the Run
• Rapid Rehousing - 6 months
• Court appearances
• Legal options SECONDARY SURVIVORS DONATIONS AND PLANNED GIVING
For Civil Legal Assistance locally, contact Legal One on one support for family and friends of survivors or victims • Monetary donations provide one-third of our operating income
of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking • In-kind donations help families establish new lives
Services of Eastern Michigan at 1-800-322-4512 to be
and homicide • Planned Giving creates a legacy for the donor and ensures
connected to a domestic violence specific attorney.
availability of services in the future

Michigan Domestic
& Sexual Violence
Prevention &
Treatment Board of Saginaw
County