Transitional Housing

The Mercy Center for Women was created in 1994 as a ministry of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas to assist women experiencing homelessness in our community. Some of the women we assist come from emergency shelters, and many have young children in their care.

All are welcome at the Mercy Center. Our transitional housing program accepts women 18 years of age who are homeless, with or without children, who have a strong desire to make changes in their life. Unfortunately, the women who contact us may have additional factors that have negatively impacted their well-being such as a history of domestic abuse, substance abuse, and/or behavioral health issues. These issues are addressed and become part of the individualized treatment plan for each woman we serve.

Our initial goal is to provide a temporary home where every woman and child in our care feels safe, accepted, and cared for. Because each woman and their circumstances are different, we then focus on each woman’s situation, helping to guide and align them with services and programming to resume or finally attain a healthy, independent life.

While they have varied reasons for how they got to the Mercy Center, we help them focus on creating a new beginning for themselves and their children, which includes locating permanent housing.

This program, which can last up to one year, provides housing but also empowers the women to become self-sufficient through life skill classes, case management services, and other support the Mercy Center provides.

About our facility

The Mercy Center for Women facility is where the Transitional Housing Program and most of the programming is located. Residents benefit from a number of helpful amenities and services on-site such as:

• 24-hour staffing in a secure living facility
• Fully furnished individual bedrooms
• Fully stocked kitchen
• Community, play, and garden area
• Laundry facility
• Library
• Wi-fi

Case Management

Each new client who enters the Transitional Housing Program is assigned a case manager who works with the resident to create an individualized goal plan. The goal plan addresses issues such as:

• Housing opportunities for when the client leaves the Mercy Center
• Budgeting assistance
• Behavioral health resources
• Recovery assistance
• Legal needs
• Children’s needs including custody issues
• Educational, career goals
• Physical health care needs

The resident and her case manager meet regularly to identify and overcome any barriers as they occur which could prevent her from achieving goals.

Classes and Training

The Mercy Center for Women partners with local organizations to provide classes and trainings for residents to learn the following life skills:

• Self-Esteem
• Relapse Prevention
• Developing Healthy Relationships
• Effective Communication Strategies
• Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving Skills
• Anger Management
• Establishing Boundaries

Admittance Criteria

The following are entry requirements for the Mercy Center for Women's Transitional Housing Program:

Women 18 years old or older who are experiencing homelessness, and possess a strong desire to change their life.

The Mercy Center for Women is an equal opportunity provider.

Application Process

To begin the application process, please call 814-shelter (814-743-5837). The Mercy Center's Director of Client Services will be notified of your call and will contact you to begin the intake process at the Mercy Center.

~OR~

If your case manager or you have access to a computer and fax machine, please complete the application below and fax it to the Mercy Center at (814) 459-7012.

If you know a woman who is homeless or if you yourself are, please call the Mercy Center for Women at (814) 455-4577 and ask to speak to someone regarding intake.