For survivors rebuilding their lives after experiencing sexual violence, domestic violence, or human trafficking, having access to basic necessities can make a meaningful difference. A safe place to find household and kitchen essentials, without cost or judgement, can provide a sense of stability during an incredibly difficult time.
At Safe Harbor, our pantry has long been a resource where survivors can shop for items they need to make their space feel like home. In our pantry, clients are able to choose items that best meet their individual needs and preferences. This simple act of choice is an important part of the healing journey.
In our previous office location, keeping the pantry organized and accessible was a constant challenge. Despite the incredible efforts of staff and volunteers, limited storage space and capacity made it difficult to maintain a welcoming, functional environment.
Enter: Closet Factory Richmond.
Leah Dodge of Decorum Interiors, who generously donated interior design services for Safe Harbor’s new offices (sneak peek coming soon!), connected us with Tracy Lipscombe, Senior Design Consultant at Closet Factory. Tracy saw an opportunity to transform the pantry into a more intentional, organized space that would better serve survivors.
Tracy designed a custom shelving and organizing system specifically for Safe Harbor’s needs. “There’s a shelf for everything,” she explains, along with corner cabinets for additional storage and pull-out shelves to hold shopping bags. Closet Factory generously donated the entire $7,000 cost of materials and installation.
“Closet Factory gives back in many, many ways,” Tracy says, from providing backpacks for children in foster care to designing a showstopper closet for the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway. “It’s important to us to use our skills to support organizations doing meaningful work in our community.”
The result is more than just a beautifully organized pantry—it’s a space designed with survivors in mind. A clean, welcoming, and intentional environment helps ensure that clients can access resources in a way that feels dignified and empowering.
“Everyone who sees it stops and gushes over how wonderful it looks,” says Development Manager Katherine Moore. “But the best part is knowing how great it will feel for clients to have a dedicated, clean, organized space where they can shop for what they need.”
We are incredibly grateful to Tracy and the entire Closet Factory Richmond team for helping us create a pantry that reflects the care and respect our clients deserve.
Help Stock the New Pantry
A beautiful pantry still needs a community behind it! Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we currently have an abundance of non-perishable food items. However, there are several essentials that survivors frequently request and that are harder for us to keep stocked:
- Spices
- Cooking oil
- Broth/stock
- Food storage items (aluminum foil, parchment paper, ziplock bags)
- Over-the-counter medications, including pain relievers, children’s medications, and cold/flu medication
Donations can be dropped off during our designated donation hours at the Safe Harbor Community Office:
Mondays: 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Tuesdays: 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Wednesdays: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Please reserve a drop-off time slot in advance here.
Thank you for helping us continue to create spaces where survivors feel safe, supported, and empowered.