As part of their 47th birthday celebrations, Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center hosted a cell phone drive at Bent Paddle Brewing Co. in Duluth. Old cell phones, working or not, could be donated to Safe Haven to be refurbished and reused as 911 phones given to victims experiencing domestic violence.

“A lot of survivors that come to Safe Haven, seeking our services, they come to us with just the clothes on their back, what they have in their purse, and that doesn’t always include their phone. And sometimes their phone is being tracked by their abusive partner,” said executive director of Safe Haven Brittany Robb. “And so, when we have the opportunity to provide a 911 phone, that’s programmed to call directly to 911, then it gives them that little extra feeling of support and security when they’re making those tough calls about how and when to leave their relationships.”

Robb noted that in the first hour and a half of the event, over 125 phones had been donated to Safe Haven to be refurbished, including multiple charging chords as well.

“We’re so grateful to the community for the generous support,” said Robb.

If those who could not attend Saturday’s cell phone drive event would like to donate old cell phones to Safe Haven, they can be donated to Safe Haven’s Resource Center at 414 West 1st Street, Duluth, MN 55802.

To donate to Safe Haven, click here.