HOUSING PROGRAM

 
 

WHY WE’RE DIFFERENT:

At ESTHER Homes, our daily response in love is housing and community. We care about women becoming mothers, because pregnancy is unlike any other time of life, full of transition and critical development for mom and baby. We believe this is the time to come into mothers’ lives with hope, to remind each woman of her identity, to be a place of support along her journey as she makes the most courageous decisions of her life. We want to see a love and hope ignited in these women so that it would also be birthed into their children and future generations.

ABOUT OUR HOUSING PROGRAM:

ESTHER Homes is a maternity housing program for pregnant women experiencing crisis.
We provide a safe, supportive environment where each woman is met with dignity and care. Every family’s journey is unique, so the length of stay varies depending on individual goals and needs.

Each family is provided their own private room, access to shared community spaces and live-in staff support. During their time at ESTHER, women work toward long-term stability—work experience, furthering their education, saving money, growing in their role as mothers and preparing for sustainable housing.

At this time, ESTHER Homes serves pregnant women without other children in their care.

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old. To support personal growth and long-term stability, women are expected to be engaged in work, school or a certificate/training program for a minimum of 20 hours per week.

    To help build financial independence, each woman contributes 30% of her income each month to a savings program designed to support her transition to stable housing.

    At this time, ESTHER Homes serves pregnant women without other children in their care.

  • We provide a safe, welcoming space where women and their babies can live, rest and grow. Our staff live on-site and share life alongside the families, creating a true sense of community because we know that transformation rarely happens on a schedule. Moments of encouragement, laughter and honest conversation often unfold across a kitchen counter or during everyday routines.

    Our homes also nurture connection between mothers, offering natural opportunities for shared wisdom, support and friendship.

  • We provide education, support and practical tools during pregnancy and the early years of parenting. Our on-site nurse midwife is available to answer questions and walk alongside each mother throughout her pregnancy. Staff offer transportation and when requested, attend prenatal appointments to ensure women feel supported and confident as they navigate decisions around their birth experience.

    We believe that rest, self-care and play are essential for both moms and their children. As part of our trauma-informed approach, our staff are trained in topics around pregnancy and postpartum care and provide guidance with compassion and understanding. We encourage families to connect with doulas, evidence-based home visiting programs, Early Childhood and Family Education, WIC and other two-generational supports.

    To nurture the mother-child bond during this time of transition, we host semi-annual retreats designed to create lasting memories and deepen connection. We recognize that healing from trauma is key to long-term stability and we are committed to walking that journey alongside each family.

  • Each woman in our program sets personalized long-term goals for herself and her family. To support that journey, staff meet weekly alongside her to share resources, make referrals and build practical life skills that move her closer to those goals.

    Each week we gather for house-night and a shared meal, followed by a discussion or workshop on topics like communication, financial literacy, nutrition, cooking and more—fostering both personal growth and a strong sense of community.

    With on-site computers and access to information on over 150 community programs, mothers can take steps toward their future without the added burden of arranging childcare or transportation.

  • For single mothers, consistency is the foundation of stability. Yet it only takes one unexpected event—a child’s illness, lost work hours or a car breaking down for everything to feel like it’s unraveling.

    At ESTHER Homes, our staff walk alongside families in these moments, providing crisis childcare and transportation support to essential appointments—whether for work, prenatal care, therapy or other vital needs.

    By meeting practical needs and offering transitional support, we help create a stable environment where women can breathe, regroup and move forward with their long-term goals in reach.

  • All families are required to save 30% of their total monthly income as part of ESTHER’s financial empowerment model. This is not a rent payment, but a savings plan designed to support long-term goals like securing housing, purchasing a reliable vehicle or building financial stability.

    Savings amounts are determined using current paystubs and county-issued cash aid documentation. Child support payments and food assistance funds [WIC/SNAP] are excluded from this calculation. The required savings amount is confirmed during weekly meetings with staff.

    There is no fee to participate in the program. However, each family is expected to open a savings account at a bank of her choice within 14 days of move-in. Staff are available to provide support with this step if needed. Families are responsible for managing their own account, debit card and are required to provide monthly proof of deposit to ensure the 30% savings commitment is being met.