Detroit Michigan Welcomes Sakinah House

by Samana Sheikh

The first women shelter developed and operated by Muslims has opened in Detroit, Michigan. Although, this transitional home is open to all women varying in religion and ethnic diversity; everyone is excited that Sakinah House is finally operating.

“There was a need in the community to help those muslim women find a safe and a secure place,” Sabrina Ahmed the Administrative Coordinator for Muslim Family Services said.

“To help place them in a community where they are not afraid of trying to get back up on their feet.”

They are a total of 13 transitional Sakinah Houses dispersed across the country. Muslim Family Services makes sure to keep all addresses for the transitional homes private. This entails safety for any future resident wanting the services of a Sakinah House in Detroit or another state.

“It’s very discreet. Even though it is not a domestic violence shelter. Only the house mother and the program coordinator know the code to the building,” Ahmed said. “So it’s very safe.”

Sakinah House was originally donated by a local businessman in the Detroit area, as charity to Muslim Family Services. This donation was to reinforce and entail that women in the community were always helped.

Some services that this transitional home provides include every woman having the right to privacy, by having their own room with a bed. Besides the initial living space, this transitional home helps these women become strong and sustainable by enabling them  to get back on their feet.

“We provide a lot of resources to help these women,” said Ahmed. “Just a few are counseling services, case management, jobs and most importantly an action plan in achieving their goals.”

They also provide food, hygiene products, clothing, job resources, a TV room and a shared kitchen.

“When the women come in they feel safe and understand that we are there to help them,” Ahmed said.

This transitional home is always accepting donations. In order to donate go to www.muslimfamilyservices.org