Family and Maternity Housing -St. Margaret of Cortona

St. Margaret of Cortona Transitional and Maternity Housing offers two program tracks helping single mothers in exceptionally difficult circumstances.

We assist mothers with children who may be transitioning from homeless and domestic violence shelters to independent living. We also assist women pregnant with their first child or pregnant moms who already have other children and find themselves at significant risk in their current living situations.

St. Margaret serves single mothers with wrap-around support to help them re-establish stability and independence. Participating families are provided with housing and personalized assistance while residing in the program.

Watch the story of Kala, a single mom who lives with her children at St. Margaret of Cortona (spoken English, with Spanish subtitles):

Watch Kala's story with English subtitles

About this ministry

Both the Transitional and Maternity programs are workforce development focused on increasing moms’ prospects of long-term financial independence and sustained housing success. Staff and volunteers offer a wealth of life skills and financial literacy classes, employment training, and intensive case management to residents. The program also provides psychological counseling and children's services to support the long-term personal resilience and financial independence of each family.

The length of the programs varies. Transitional offers housing and services up to 24 months. The Maternity program offers housing and services from the time of admittance for the term of the pregnancy and an additional 90 days after giving birth. We provide our pregnant moms with additional support through our Catholic Charities Pregnancy and Adoption Support Program. (PAS) The staff at PAS help the expectant mother with counseling around birthing plans, delivery support and supplies for the newborn. 

The Transitional program accepts referrals for families with minor children who meet the HUD definition of Homelessness or Subtitle VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, Sections A & B i,ii,iii.

Applicant requirements

• Be residing at a shelter or safe house or referred through the McKinney-Vento Act or other counselor or pastor.
• Be a family consisting of a single woman with a dependent child or children, or an expectant woman with or without other minor children
• Have proof of a bank account or the ability to bank
• Undergo a background check and be clear of any sexual or violent crimes
• Be clear of any substance abuse or in counseling to maintain sobriety
• Have or be willing to get a General Education Degree (GED) (Transitional Program only)
• Work a full-time job and be able to show proof of employment (Maternity program may accept a medical waiver, if employment is risky for mother’s pregnancy)