Mercy Center for Women (MCW) was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in January 1994 to provide long term (up to 1 year) transitional housing and support services to homeless women with or without children. MCW was founded by combining the services of two agencies, Hope House, an emergency shelter for women and children, and Grass Roots Opportunities for Women, an advocacy center. MCW is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

• Provide transitional housing for homeless women and their children
• Provide an environment that is conducive to healing, recovery and growth
• Provide support and opportunities for women, including our residents and those from the community
• Network with other agencies and programs to better serve the needs of women
• Cultivate leadership among women to benefit them

    Mercy Center for Women is housed in a former convent built in 1960, that has 13 bedrooms and
can accommodate 25-27 residents at any given time. The facility is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is located in a residential area close to shopping and public transportation. The facility includes an education room, living room, laundry facilities, kitchen and dining areas and a large, fenced-in back yard.

    MCW residents have a private bedroom that they share with their children. Residents take an active part in the maintenance and day-to-day operation of the house and are expected to complete daily chores and care for their bedroom and their family's laundry. Residents prepare evening meals on a rotating basis. Attendance at house meetings, where staff and residents exchange ideas about house activities, is mandatory.

Average number of women per year: 33 Average number of children per year: 27 Total shelter nights: 7357 Average cost per resident per day: $36.71 Budget: $540,490 Residents statistics during one year: 60% Caucasian 35% African American 5% Hispanic 52% of our residents were homeless due to drug and alcohol addiction 25% were making transition from prison or were on parole 15% were leaving abusive relationships 18% were jobless and lacked financial resources

It is disturbing to note that many homeless women have experienced some form of sexual abuse as children, which consequently leads to the problems listed above. Usually, there is more than one cause for their homelessness.