MICAH HOUSE 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.