TESSA Opens Douglas County Safe House, Expands Local Survivor Services

On December 1, 2025, TESSA formally assumed operations of Douglas County’s domestic violence safe house after the Board of County Commissioners approved a service agreement earlier in 2025. The county purchased the facility in late 2024 and contracted with the Colorado Springs nonprofit for approximately $350,000 to deliver shelter and support services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking.

The safe house will offer confidential shelter and onsite advocacy, trauma informed counseling for adults and children, and legal assistance. Survivors may remain in the facility for up to seven weeks while receiving coordinated support and referrals. TESSA will partner with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, local police departments and the newly formed 23rd Judicial District to streamline crisis response and follow up services.

Local officials described the collaboration as filling a gap in services, creating a nearby and confidential option for residents who previously had to travel outside the county for shelter and specialized support. For survivors, the most immediate impacts are reduced travel time, faster access to trauma informed care, and closer coordination between shelter staff, law enforcement and the local court system.

The county purchase and the service agreement raise several institutional and policy considerations for local leaders and residents. The contract amount and administrative oversight will be of interest to taxpayers as the program moves from startup to ongoing operation. Effective cross agency coordination will require clear referral protocols and data sharing agreements consistent with privacy protections for survivors. The involvement of the 23rd Judicial District creates an opportunity for faster legal assistance but will also require monitoring to ensure timely case processing and resource allocation.

The decision by county leaders to fund and host a local safe house could shape future political discussions about public safety, social services and county budgeting. Residents seeking oversight of implementation should follow upcoming commissioner meetings and budget hearings where program performance and fiscal details will be reviewed.