The new facility will bring stability, dignity, and expanded services for unsheltered women in the Ozarks
After years of operating in borrowed spaces and seasonal uncertainty, Safe to Sleep is officially on the path to a permanent home.
Fences have gone up, contractors have moved in, and construction is now underway to transform a warehouse space into a dedicated shelter for women experiencing homelessness in Springfield. What was once used for storage will soon become a place of stability, healing, and hope.
“This is more than just a building,” said Kelly Harris, Director of Safe to Sleep. “It’s a promise to the women we serve — a promise that they matter, that they are seen, and that they deserve a safe place to rest every night, not just when the weather is cold or a space happens to be available.”
The project, led by R.E. Smith Construction, is part of Next Levell, a capital campaign by Crosslines Community Outreach (formerly Council of Churches of the Ozarks), to bring all of its outreach programs under one roof. Once complete, the new facility will not only provide a safe, warm place for women to sleep, but also offer access to case management, hygiene support, and connections to vital resources — all in a single location.
“This will completely change what’s possible for our guests,” Harris said. “Right now, we patch things together night by night. The new shelter means stability — not just for us as a program, but for the women trying to rebuild their lives.”
Since its founding, Safe to Sleep has served thousands of women, often operating from temporary spaces in churches or rotating facilities. The lack of a permanent location has meant logistical challenges, inconvenience and inconsistent access for some of Springfield’s most vulnerable residents.
“Homelessness is traumatic, and so is uncertainty,” said Harris. “With a consistent, intentional space, we can do more than address physical needs — we can foster stability and hope.”
Construction is expected to continue into early next year. Supporters can follow progress online.
In the meantime, fundraising continues to ensure that the new shelter opens fully funded and fully equipped. An estimated 1.2 million is needed to complete the project, which has a four-million-dollar budget.
“Believe us, the last thing we wanted to do was launch another capital campaign so closely after the last one”, says CCO CEO Jaimie Trussell. “Unfortunately, the cost of doing nothing became too great. If we are serious about moving the needle for our community’s most vulnerable residents, we are going to have to invest in systems and space that optimizes chances for successful escape from homelessness. This shelter is more than a space, it’s a strategy.”
To learn more about the project or make a donation, visit https://ccozarks.org/nextlevell/.