Parenting is a challenge in the best of circumstances, but housing insecurity can make it feel close to impossible. The Haven of Grace is dedicated to helping young pregnant women who are facing homelessness find security and independence. Founded by St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Laude, the nonprofit offers shelter and other critical services to new families so they can enjoy promising futures.
The population The Haven of Grace serves lives at 150% below the poverty line, according to executive director Patricia Bosman. “Being housing unstable adds additional trials that make it hard to find viable employment and a safe living environment,” she says. “Unhoused birthing people face additional burdens that can lead to pre- and post-natal complications, including low birth weights. These babies often face lifelong health and educational challenges.” By working with and supporting families facing housing insecurity, the nonprofit is disrupting the cycle of generational poverty.
“The Haven of Grace is much more than a homeless shelter,” Bosman explains. “Our cultural and trauma informed approach to programming empowers women by directly addressing the social determinants of health and the root causes of homelessness.” The nonprofit offers a variety of programs to help young families. Its maternity shelter provides services for one year to women with children under the age of five, and transitional housing offers support for two additional years. Along with housing, families receive assistance with financial literacy, behavioral and therapeutic counseling, education and employment readiness, and the Aftercare Program works with the family for up to 10 years to avoid homelessness reoccurrence.
Bosman notes the purpose of all of The Haven of Grace’s services is to empower young women to reach stability and independence. “The main goal is to focus on individual strengths and encourage participation, self discovery and eventual success,” she says. “Our programs and services support mothers in ways that change the lives of future generations and hopefully break the chain of homelessness in the St. Louis community at large.”
To make its programs possible, The Haven of Grace relies on grants and donations. This funding makes it possible for the nonprofit to serve up to 100 families annually. “We have supported more than a thousand pregnant women and their families throughout the years,” Bosman explains. “Without community support, it would not be possible to continue the work of providing Missouri families dignified shelter, transitional housing and personal growth opportunities that lead to long term positive outcomes.”
The Haven of Grace’s largest annual fundraiser is A MOMentous Luncheon. This year’s event is May 10 at the Missouri Athletic Club and will be a celebration of motherhood. “We believe that every child is a precious gift from God,” honorary chairs Dana and Ronald Redwing say. “We’re grateful to be in the position to support and work with The Haven of Grace as they help moms navigate life and understand, appreciate and pour love into these tiny beings. Everyone deserves a chance. It makes our hearts happy to help offer one.”
Haven of Grace provides homeless expectant mothers a place to live, educational programs and long-term support to break the chain of generational poverty. Its A MOMentous Luncheon is May 10 at the Missouri Athletic Club. Pictured on the cover: Honorary event chairs Ronald and Dana Redwing, executive director Patricia Bosman. For more information, call 314.621.6507 or visit havenofgracestl.org.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography
Pictured at top: Dana and Ronald Redwing, Patricia Bosman
Photo: Tim Parker Photography
