Vera House was founded in 1977 by a group of concerned individuals led by Sister Mary Vera, CSJ who recognized the need for emergency sheltering services for women in crisis. This original mission blossomed into a wide range of domestic violence services including outreach and advocacy, domestic violence education programming, children's counseling, and a domestic violence education and accountability program for people who cause harm in relationships.
Overall Rating
4.0
Jackie Breck
3 months ago
The staff sucks on the 7th floor all they are is give patient pills back to bed they don't charge the sheets on the 7th floor there was not one white person working there o if you want some one high take .care of yourr parents
Honest Critiques
2 years ago
Four stars for my amazing trauma informed therapy sessions. Zero stars for my stay at Vera House's shelter. Staff constantly breeched client confidentiality, constantly talking to clients in open hallways. The cleaning person knew client information. The cleaning person fratenized with certain clients. Staff were repeatedly verbally abusive to more than one client. I complained about a worker and the next day I heard her say to staff, "If she comes up missing, don't bother looking for her, because um that one". Then multiple staff erupted into laughter. That staff person turned out to be the cleaning person. Multiple staff talked badly about certain clients almost daily. Staff had favorites. They had two to three residents who had been there for over a year. One had a job and housing in place. Yet they did not let people seeking shelter and were in danger in. They would give certain clients rides often, and would tell others to walk or catch the bus, some had babies. Several staff almost bumped into me. A staff member threw away my food and gave away my food bin to another client without explanation. They replaced my food, but did not tell me what they threw out. I wanted to make sure I did not ask for too much or too little. One replacement item was so visibly damaged, that I had them replace that. Too many times to count, staff did not speak to me. They would complain that I don't speak to them. I avoided staff for my emotional safety. They were petty, cruel, and had a bully, mob type daily behavior. Two to three weeks before I left some staff attempted to strike up conversation with me. But it was too little, too late. Staff were extremely unprofessional. The common areas were not cleaned properly or cleaned enough. There were dangers not tended to by staff, uncovered windows, water spills, greasy stove tops. A staff person was walking around spraying lysol for literally two to three minutes near an open flame, while a client was cooking. The flame turned yellow. A client in the dining area said she can taste the lysol. Despite an inspector stating that they must be saving the best for last, and that my room was the cleanest he'd seen, staff stored most of my belongings in an outdoor shed. The shed had mice, so some of my belongings were filled with mice droppings. I did not give my address to any staff upon moving. I do not trust or have respect for the Vera House Shelter staff that worked during my two and a half month stay. The mission of The Vera House Shelter is greatly needed! The implementation of that mission by the staff working from October 1, 2022 - December 19, 2023 was dysfunctional, dangerous, and disgraceful.
Sara King
2 years ago
Oh yes this place.. The staff here are abusive. Not only do you get to clean up other peoples messes plus your own but if you are seen with your phone they yell at you to go to your room. second If you need to go shopping or appointments or even job interviews don't ask they will just tell you no. Its going on a month since I have been here no phone no actual help to get one. so I cant really go get work or do the things I need to because of that. They give you a voucher but don't expect them do anything like give you a ride or nothing. with no cellphone and a crazy abuser on the streets how do I call them for help??
they lied to get me in here they get all this money but not a penny to help you. I have to rely on a bus to go do my important stuff. I cant enjoy my stay here because I don't feel its safe. not only that but you can ask until your blue in the face they don't care. This deserves a fraud check. Sara King
Other Helpful Services Nearby
Within 2.3 miles
Birthright of Syracuse
346 North Midler Ave, Syracuse, NY 13206
4.1
adoption infoadoption information resourcesadoption servicesaffordable childcare tips
Within 22.1 miles
Madison County Department of Social Services
No address available
case managementcareer buildingother
Within 23.1 miles
Community Action Program Cayuga/Seneca
No address available
childcare day careclothing assistancefinancial supportfood assistance
Within 24.8 miles
Help Restore Hope Center
No address available
case managementclothing assistancecounseling serviceslegal support assistance
Within 33.2 miles
Oswego County Opportunities, Inc. SAF Program
9 FOURTH AVE, , Oswego, NY 13126
other supportsafe havenshelters temporary housingsupport groups