Being homeless is something most of us don't want to imagine or think about - and the thought of being a pregant woman homeless is even more devestating. The reality is that there are many women right here in Genesee County and surrounding counties that are in that terrifying and desperate situation - who are alone and don't have a safe place to live.
According to estimates from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 44% of the homeless are pregnant.
The House of Esther is a Maternity Education and Care Center. We are a home for homeless first-time expectant mothers, ages 18 – 25 years of age. The House of Esther is designed to meet multiple needs and concerns of pregnant moms in crisis, resulting from their homelessness, lack of education and parenting skills.
In Genesee and surrounding counties, there is currently no housing or shelters that are equipped to help homeless pregnant mothers with the special care they need. The shelters will keep a roof over their head for up to 30 days but they cannot help them with pre-natal health care, life skills, or education needed to become successful mothers and citizens in our community. After 30 days, the homeless pregnant mothers have no where to go, no ability to care for their baby, and do not have the skills or resources to be able to live on their own. The House of Esther will fill this great need.
To open it's doors and provide this greatly needed service - we need to secure ownership of the historical St. Agnes Convent we have been transforming into a maternity home and educational center.
We need your financial support to purchase the deed to the land and get this program up and running to help our local mothers at such a vulnerable time in their lives.
