Programs — MICAH House

Learn more - 28th Annual Champagne & Diamonds!

Our Programs

 
 

FAmily shelter

More families experience homelessness in the U.S. than any other industrialized nation. Families account for 37% of those experiencing the crisis of homeless...

MICAH House provides support and services for families seeking safe shelter. Our lower level shelter features 23 private bedrooms that can accommodate family sizes with up to ten individuals. Unlike many shelters, MICAH House allows families to live together. With individualized case management services, each family can address their personal barriers to permanent housing.

How we help:

MICAH House provides all clients with bedding, hygiene products and clothing. Guests also have access to free laundry services and over-the-counter medications.

  • Families are provided three nutritious meals and one snack daily. MICAH House relies on the generosity of our community to supply many of the ingredients that are used in our meals.

  • An on-site case manager works directly with families to address personal barriers to permanent housing. New donor funding has also established a housing assistance fund to address housing barriers for MICAH House clients. Our staff can now provide funds to be used towards first month’s rent or initial deposits.

  • MICAH House staff administers the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) survey to identify traumatic childhood events such as abuse and neglect in addition to witnessing experiences like crime, parental conflict, mental illness and substance abuse. ACEs put individuals at an elevated risk for future homelessness, so the assessment is crucial for staff to provide appropriate resources and case management.

  • The Visiting Nurses Association visits MICAH House once a week to consult with families and provide support to new and existing clients. Nurses help facilitate appointments, provide health assessments and screenings, early detection of illnesses and prompt treatment, first aid and injury care, chronic disease monitoring, prenatal, childbirth and breastfeeding support, and referrals to primary care and community resources.

  • Adult education classes review basic principles and teach clients how to develop an efficient budget, apply to jobs and housing, and be a great role model for their family unit.

  • We offer free professional clothing, shoes, and accessories to both clients and the community at large. To book an appointment with our Career Closet, call 712.323.4416

 

women’s shelter

Of those experiencing homelessness in the U.S., 50% are women. We are all in this together. In July 2018, MICAH House started renovations to existing second floor space on a project that would create a one-of-a-kind therapeutic women’s homeless shelter. The campaign, Shelter Reimagined, was to address MICAH House’s wait list of 200 single women needing safe shelter and support services.

In January 2019, Shelter Reimagined was a reality. The second floor women’s shelter opened its doors on January 2 with the capacity to serve approximately 250 women a year. With ten rooms and 26 total beds, the shelter provides an on-site case manager and mental health therapist to help address past trauma to women in need.

How we help:

An on-site case manager works directly with women to address personal barriers to permanent housing. New donor funding has also established a housing assistance fund to address housing barriers for MICAH House clients. Our staff can now provide funds to be used towards first month’s rent or initial deposits.

  • A full-time behavioral health therapist, in partnership with All Care Center, works with women to identify past trauma to make proper referrals for success.

  • Women are provided three nutritious meals daily. The new shelter offers a kitchenette and women are able to make their own coffee and prepare snacks.

  • MICAH House staff administers the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) survey to identify traumatic childhood events such as abuse and neglect in addition to witnessing experiences like crime, parental conflict, mental illness and substance abuse. ACEs put individuals at an elevated risk for future homelessness, so the assessment is crucial for staff to provide appropriate resources and case management.

  • Peer support specialists visit MICAH House on Wednesdays as a source of support for our clients. The Peer Support Program, in partnership with United Way of the Midlands and Community Alliance, places trained peer support teams in area emergency shelters to help alleviate frequent crisis situations experienced by individuals with mental health concerns. Peer support specialists have traveled the road to recovery, and are able to listen, provide hands-on support and offer practical coping strategies to clients in need.

  • The Visiting Nurses Association visits MICAH House one a week to consult with women and provide support to new and existing clients. Nurses help facilitate appointments, provide health assessments and screenings, early detection of illnesses and prompt treatment, first aid and injury care, and chronic disease monitoring with referrals to primary care and community resources.

 

Career Closet

MICAH House clients and the community can receive professional clothing, shoes, and accessories at no cost. During an appointment with the Career Closet volunteer, guests can select items that give them confidence and help them feel empowered to make positive changes in their lives.

Clothing and accessory donations can be made to the career closet Monday-Friday from 1:00PM - 5:00PM at our east entrance garage door. We accept women’s and men’s clothing, shoes and accessories. Please let our Donations person know your clothing items are for the Career Closet.

To book an appointment, call (712) 323-4416 and tell them you would like to schedule an appointment with the Career Closet.

 

Children

More than 2.5 children are homeless in the U.S. each year, 51% are under the age of five. We are all in this together.

Children are the majority of the clients living at MICAH House, and the programs offered reflect the dedication and care provided to our most vulnerable guests. Staff members provide opportunities, memorable experiences, and resources for families and children to succeed.

Florence M. Lakin Child Development Center

To provide immediate access to safe, affordable, Montessori-Inspired, trauma-informed childcare to support the families in our Community and at the MICAH House.

Girl scout troop #64224

MICAH House’s Girl Scouts troop provides an opportunity for school-age girls living at the homeless shelter to be involved in the program. Unlike many traditional troops, our meetings are held where the girls eat, sleep and live! We are offering a life-changing experience to help girls gain confidence, practice leadership skills, and learn life skills such as goal setting and money management!

 

all care

In January 2019, All Care Health Center opened a satellite location at MICAH House as a result of the Shelter Reimagined campaign. The center operates as both a health clinic and dental clinic to MICAH House clients and community members.

Services Offered:

Medical Care

All Care offers comprehensive primary health care services to children and adults.

Medical Clinic
Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm

Dental Care

All Care can provide exams, cleanings, periodontal cleanings, and fillings. Additionally, x-rays are available.

Dental Clinic
Thur: 8am–5pm

OB/Pregnancy Care

All Care offers well-women exams, contraception, and pregnancy care.

Call to schedule an appointment.

Insurance Enrollment

All Care’s insurance enrollment services are free and open to the general public and current patients. Staff will discuss enrollment eligibility and find the best healthcare coverage for you and your family.

Call to schedule an appointment.

Location:
1415 Avenue J, Suite 2
Council Bluffs, IA 51501

To make an appointment:
712-388-4660