This year St. Margaret of Cortona Transitional Housing expanded
services to include single mothers with children as well as single mothers
expecting a baby.
The St. Margaret of Cortona Transitional and Maternity Housing
Programs now supports 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 Emma, a mom who lives with her children at St. Margaret of Cortona:
Watch Video
Both the Transitional and Maternity programs are workforce
development focused on increasing the 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.
Applicants must demonstrate that they are:
- 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(-ren) or an expectant woman with or without other minor children.
- Have proof of 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 a proof of
employment ( Maternity program may accept a medical waiver, if employment
is risky for mother’s pregnancy)