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Safe homes
Women-only homes, with support built in.
ODARA provides furnished, secure homes across Birmingham for women and children escaping domestic abuse, and move-on homes for women ready to live more independently.
Safe accommodation
For women who need to leave now. A furnished, women-only home in a location unknown to the abuser, with intensive support from day one.
Family homes
Self-contained homes for women with children, close to schools and GP surgeries, with support for the children too.
Move-on homes
For women ready to live more independently, with lighter-touch support while they settle, build confidence and find permanent housing.
Inside an ODARA home
Everything you need to feel safe from the first night
- Fully furnished, with bedding, kitchen equipment and a welcome pack
- Women-only, with no male visitors
- A named female key worker who visits every week
- Addresses kept confidential, and never shown online
Our promise
We don’t judge. We won’t discriminate. We promise a warm welcome.
Every woman is treated with dignity, listened to, and supported to make her own decisions about her future.
Support in your home
What your key worker helps with
Safety
Safety planning, risk assessment, and links to IDVAs, MARAC and the police when needed.
Money & housing
Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, debts, bank accounts and your homeless application.
Health & wellbeing
Registering with a GP, counselling and mental health support, and time to rest.
Children
School places, health visitors, and support for children who have lived with abuse.
Legal
Non-molestation orders, family court, and referrals to solicitors and legal aid.
Immigration
Referral to regulated immigration advice, including the Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession.
Learning & work
English classes, courses through the ODARA Training Academy, and volunteering.
Moving on
Bidding for social housing, private rented options and setting up a new home.
Who our homes are for
Eligibility
We do a short needs assessment with every woman so we can match her to the right home. We can usually help if a woman:
- has experienced, or is at risk of, domestic abuse
- needs support and is willing to meet her key worker every week
- can manage her own home with that support
- receives, or is eligible for, benefits such as Universal Credit, PIP or ESA
- can provide ID, or we’ll help her get it
Common questions
How much does it cost?
Rent is usually covered by Housing Benefit. Any service charge is explained to you before you move in, and we help you set up your benefit claims.
How long can I stay?
It depends on your needs. Short-term homes support you while you build independent living skills; move-on homes are for the next step towards a settled home.
Can he find me?
Our addresses are confidential. We will plan with you how to stay safe, including on your phone and social media.
What are my rights as a resident?
You have the right to feel safe, to decent living conditions, to clear information about your support, to security of your belongings, and to make a complaint. These rights are set out in Birmingham City Council’s Charter of Rights for supported housing residents.