Shelter Home for Women (SHW) is a social welfare scheme of the Directorate of Women & Child Development, Government of Goa, made for women who have no family or social support system to rely on. The scheme offers a safe temporary shelter, skill training and counseling so that women can rebuild their social and economic position. Scheme continues to be available for 2026-27 and is notified under Shelter Home for Women (SHW) Scheme, 2006, with an amended framework that puts more focus on rehabilitation and oversight of shelter homes.
The scheme helps women facing family problems, mental strain, social ostracism, exploitation, domestic violence or other similar situations. Eligible registered non-government organizations, public trusts and government bodies run these shelter homes, and the government gives grants to cover staff salaries and day-to-day maintenance of the facility.
Shelter Home for Women (SHW) - Introduction
Shelter Home for Women (SHW) is run by the Directorate of Women & Child Development, Govt. of Goa. The main aim is to give a safe home and complete support to women who face hard situations without any family or social support. The scheme focuses on long-term rehabilitation by helping women pick up new skills and by providing mental health counseling.
The government amended the Shelter Home for Women (SHW) Scheme, 2006 to include cases of social ostracism, exploitation and domestic violence. The revised framework also directs that at least two members of the District Level Monitoring Committee should be women, so that shelter homes can be monitored closely.
Services extended in these homes include medical care, psychiatric treatment, casework services, occupational therapy, education and vocational training, and recreation facilities. Children accompanying their mothers, or children born in the institution, can stay in the shelter home up to the age of seven. After that they are moved to children institutions or foster care facilities.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Shelter Home for Women (SHW) |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Goa |
| Category | Social welfare & Empowerment, Skills & Employment, Women and Child |
| Target Beneficiaries | Government Organisation, NGO, Trust |
| Benefit Type | Cash grants for shelter homes |
| Application Mode | Online through Goa Online |
| Designated Officer | Social Welfare Officer |
| Nodal Department | Women and Child Development Department |
| Official Website | cmwelfare.goa.gov.in |
Benefits
This scheme gives strong financial support through government grants to registered shelter homes. These funds are meant for two main purposes.
Salary components for the caregiving and support staff who run the shelter home, and maintenance expenditures for the daily upkeep of the facility and the residents. The organization does not receive a grant from any other source for the same purpose and activity, although it can raise funds from other sources for additional beneficiaries or supportive services.
Eligibility
To apply as an organization, you should represent one of the following entities:
- A non-government voluntary organization registered under the Registration of Societies Act, 1860.
- A public trust registered under any current applicable law.
- A local government body.
- A state government body.
- Any other body specified by the government that has a managing committee with proven experience in women and child welfare, and a commitment to serve all individuals regardless of their caste, religion or language.
Application Process
Online Application Process
Application for Shelter Home for Women in Goa is now available online through the Goa Online portal, which also shows the same steps as the official Citizen Charter. The online form is linked to the Directorate of Women & Child Development service for this scheme.
STEP 1 - Register on www.goaonline.gov.in by giving your email id, mobile number, name, address and date of birth, along with OTP authentication.
STEP 2 - After successful registration, log in with your credentials and open the Services Menu, then All Services, then Directorate of Women & Child Development, then Shelter Home for Women.
STEP 3 - Fill in the application form with complete details of your organization and the proposed shelter home project.
STEP 4 - Upload the required documents as asked on the portal.
STEP 5 - Check the declaration clauses carefully and submit the application.
STEP 6 - Click on the submit application button to send the application to the department. An acknowledgement SMS and an email will be sent after submission. Keep the acknowledgement number for tracking the application.
Documents
While preparing the application, make sure you have the following documents ready:
- Objectives of the institution or organization, with a brief history and its main activities.
- Justification for the project, including the important features that make it eligible for support under the scheme.
- Constitution of the institution or organization, and constitution of the Board of Management with brief details of each member.
- Latest annual report, audited accounts for the last two years and certified balance sheet.
- Item-wise and year-wise details of the estimated regular and one-time expenditure on the proposed project.
- Details of any support or grant received during the last two years.
References
For further details, you may refer to the official Citizen Charter of the Directorate of Women & Child Development and the Chief Minister Welfare Portal of Goa.
FAQ's
Is Shelter Home for Women scheme still running in 2026?
Yes. The scheme continues under the amended Shelter Home for Women (SHW) Scheme, 2006 framework, with online applications accepted through Goa Online and updates available on the Chief Minister Welfare Portal of Goa.
Can women of any age receive support from Shelter Home for Women?
The guidelines do not specify a strict age limit. The scheme mainly focuses on women who lack social or family support and are in urgent need of shelter and rehabilitation, including women facing domestic violence, exploitation or social rejection.
What form of financial support do shelter homes receive?
Eligible shelter homes receive grants from the government to cover staff salaries and daily maintenance costs. Continued grants depend on proper use of earlier payments and on submission of the Quarterly Progress Report.
Which organizations are eligible to participate in this scheme?
Registered non-government voluntary organizations, public trusts, local bodies, state government bodies and other recognized entities with a strong background in women and child welfare can apply.
How should an organization apply for the scheme?
Organizations can apply online by registering on Goa Online, selecting the Shelter Home for Women service under Directorate of Women & Child Development, filling the form, uploading documents and submitting the application.
What documents are required for the application?
You should provide the objectives and constitution of the organization, audited accounts for the last two years, details of the Board of Management, project expenditure details and details of earlier grants received.
What is the role of the District Level Monitoring Committee?
The monitoring committee checks the working of shelter homes. Under the amended scheme, at least two members of the committee should be women to strengthen accountability.
Can children stay with their mothers in the shelter home?
Yes. Children accompanying their mothers, or children born in the institution, can reside in the shelter home up to the age of seven. After that they are shifted to children institutions or foster care facilities.
How does skill training help the residents?
Skill training gives women practical tools for economic independence, and helps them move into productive social roles after their stay in the shelter.