Emergency Shelter Program, Inc. (ESP) is a non-profit agency in Hayward, California, caring for battered and homeless women and children for over 30 years. The mission of Emergency Shelter Program, Inc. is to provide shelter, support and education for women and children who are victims of domestic violence or homelessness, and to provide safe, challenging, and nurturing childcare for children in the community. We make this mission a reality through our two programs:

Shelter for Women & Children
ESP operates one of Alameda County's most established shelters for victims of domestic violence and homelessness. At our 32-bed shelter, we provide confidential housing, food, counseling, and advocacy for approximately 220-260 women and children each year. Our dedicated staff assists women in developing the skills and resources, both personal and economic, for self-sufficiency. The children's program provides tutoring, activities, and counseling for the youth at our shelter. ESP's 24-hour hotline (888-339-SAFE) provides information and referrals to over 5,000 women and children per year. To learn more about our shelter click here.

Childcare Center
A Special Place is ESP's licensed childcare center for 41 children, ages 2 months to five to 5 years. We celebrate the uniqueness of each family and take pride in our cultural and racial diversity. In order to meet the needs of low-income families, A Special Place accepts all subsidies, and has access to limited in-house subsidy. We offer an environment that is physically safe, cognitively challenging, and emotionally nurturing for children in the community. To learn more about A Special Place or to schedule a visit click here.