Mary Ellen’s Hearth is a transitional home for mothers and their children who are homeless due to economic hardship, family crisis, divorce, eviction, and severe shortage of safe, affordable housing. We eventually plan to house 9-15 families which could be up to 60 full time residents. The average stay will be six to eight months, although they may stay as long as two years.
The primary goal is to foster independence and help the residents gain the life skills necessary to prevent future chronic homelessness, and do this in a loving Christian setting. This training will include courses in finance, parenting, nutrition, and adult education as needed on a case by case basis. Families may stay at the shelter until they are able to find permanent housing as long as they follow the rules, are actively seeking housing, working, and taking part in the programs and services. Our outreach case worker will help these families maintain their independence.
