1. A place of refuge providing safety from danger, attack, or observation.
homeless shelter. A privately or publicly operated residential facility providing overnight accommodation free of charge to homeless people. • Most homeless shelters accept occupants on a first-come-first-served basis and are open only from early evening to early morning. Those that serve homeless families may remain open throughout the day to women and children. Some shelters offer occupants help such as advice on finding and applying for public assistance, employment, and medical care.
women’s shelter. A privately or publicly operated residential facility providing women (and their children) who are victims of domestic violence with temporary lodging, food, and other services such as employment assistance, counseling, and medical care.
— Also termed family shelter.
youth shelter.
1. A privately or publicly operated residential facility offering young runaway or throwaway children and homeless young people a safe place to stay, usu. for a short time. • The residents enter the shelter voluntarily and can leave anytime they wish. Some shelters offer long-term transitional training so that young people can leave street life and eventually lead independent, productive lives.
2. An alternative type of juvenile-detention center that is less physically restrictive than a jail or boot camp. • Delinquent juveniles are usu. brought to these shelters by police or ordered to reside there by a court. Residents attend school or work in the daytime and may be permitted weekend visits at their family homes.
2. TAX SHELTER (the shelter saved the taxpayer over $2,000 in taxes). — shelter, vb.
