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Mercy Center for Women - Transitional Housing

Founded in 1994 by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, the Mercy Center for Women supports women experiencing homelessness—many with young children—in building stable, independent lives.

Our transitional housing program serves women age 18 and older, with or without children, who are ready to make positive changes. Each resident receives individualized support that addresses challenges such as trauma, substance use, and behavioral health needs.

We provide a safe, supportive home while connecting women to services, life skills, and case management that empower them to achieve self-sufficiency and secure permanent housing. This program, lasting up to one year, helps women and their families create a strong foundation for a new beginning.

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.

Nondiscrimination

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.

MCW Resident Application 2022 PDF (171 KB)

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.