A Shelter of Hope for Women & Children in Anderson, IN
When crisis strikes, no mother should be left to choose between safety and shelter. The Well is a women’s and children’s emergency shelter located in Anderson, Indiana, offering short-term housing, emotional support, and stability to families experiencing homelessness, abuse, or life-altering hardship.
As the only emergency women-with-children shelter in Madison County, The Well fills a critical gap for vulnerable families in our region—serving communities from downtown Anderson to Westfield and beyond.
Restoring Stability One Family at a Time
Founded as a ministry of The Christian Center, The Well exists to walk alongside women in crisis—not just offering a bed, but offering a path forward. Our mission is rooted in dignity, privacy, and faith in each woman’s ability to reclaim her life.
Whether someone is fleeing domestic violence, facing eviction, or recovering from generational poverty, The Well provides the structure and compassion needed to help them stabilize and begin again.
What We Offer at The Well
Our residents are welcomed into a secure, trauma-informed environment where both mothers and children are cared for and supported. Services include:
Safe Accommodations
Private or semi-private rooms for women with their children
Nutritious Daily Meals
Provided in partnership with our on-site Community Dining Room
Emotional Support & Counseling
Trauma-informed care to help residents process and heal
Case Management
Assistance with benefit applications, housing search, and goal setting
Parenting & Life Skills Workshops
Covering topics like time management, budgeting, and job readiness
Educational Resources
GED tutoring and employment coaching tailored for mothers
Community Referrals
Help connecting with medical care, childcare, legal services, and school enrollment
A Place to Regain Confidence and Control
The Well empowers women to rebuild with dignity. Each mother who enters our shelter begins working with a case manager to set personal goals—whether it's finding stable housing, returning to the workforce, or providing consistent care for her children.
We’ve seen women move from fear and instability to independence and security. Their stories remind us why this work matters and why this shelter must remain available to those who need it most.
You Can Make a Difference for Mothers and Children in Crisis
The Well depends on the generosity of donors, churches, and community partners to continue offering life-changing support to Anderson families. Your help—whether financial, material, or hands-on—makes a direct impact.
How to Support The Well:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay at The Well if I don’t have children with me?
Yes. While The Well primarily serves mothers with children, we also provide shelter to adult women facing homelessness or crisis without children, as space allows. Each situation is evaluated individually, and we encourage you to fill out our intake form or call to discuss your needs.
Is The Well a domestic violence shelter?
The Well is not a certified domestic violence facility, but we do accept women fleeing domestic crisis and work to prioritize their safety and privacy. We have secure entry protocols and can connect women with specialized services when needed. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 or the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence at (800) 332-7385.
How long can a woman and her children stay at The Well?
Length of stay depends on each family’s needs and the housing plan developed with our case management team. Some families stay a few weeks; others may stay longer while working toward stable housing, employment, or childcare arrangements. We work to create a step-by-step exit plan that supports long-term success.
Can The Well help with transportation or child care?
While we don’t provide in-house transportation or childcare, we collaborate with local partners who do. Case managers can assist residents in securing bus passes, transportation to job interviews or appointments, and enrolling children in safe daycare or school programs.
Is there a cost to stay at The Well?
No. All services provided at The Well—including housing, meals, case management, and emotional support—are offered completely free of charge. No woman has to pay to find safety.
Do I have to attend religious services to stay at The Well?
Participation in spiritual activities is completely optional. As a faith-based ministry, we offer chapel services and spiritual resources for those who want them, but we welcome women of all backgrounds and beliefs with compassion and without pressure.
What should I bring if I’m coming to stay at The Well?
We recommend bringing basic essentials such as clothing, personal hygiene items, and any necessary documents (ID, health records, etc.). If you don’t have these items, don’t worry—we can help with many of the essentials upon arrival.
Can I donate specific items to The Well instead of using the Amazon Wishlist?
Yes. We gratefully accept in-person donations of new or gently used essentials such as diapers, baby wipes, personal care items, towels, and bedding. Please call ahead to arrange a drop-off time so we can receive your gift properly.
Are volunteer opportunities at The Well open to men?
Some opportunities—such as donation sorting, facility maintenance, or administrative tasks—may be open to male volunteers. However, for direct interaction with residents, we prioritize female volunteers for the comfort and safety of our guests. All volunteers must complete a brief screening process before being placed.
Need Shelter? Here’s How to Start
If you are a woman (with or without children) in need of emergency shelter, you can also call theWomen’s Coordinator, at 463-214-7037 for help or questions. Space is limited, and we prioritize women and families in urgent crisis situations. All communication is private and handled with care.