CREATING COMMUNITIES TRANSFORMING LIVES
PROGRAM REPORT
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Janet D’Addario, President, Board of Directors
Sister Janet Kinney, CSJ, Executive Director
Dear Friend, or more than a quarter century, Providence House has been a home for women and children who strive to create homes of their own. What began with one woman and her baby in 1979 has grown into ten residences throughout New York City and Westchester, including three residences that were once part of Samaritan House, as well as a supportive network of Sisters and staff. We transform lives through teaching and living the values of community, compassion, hospitality and non-violence. But we are also committed to serving our residents even after they leave Providence House. Through an innovative Aftercare Services Program, we can ensure that women and children are able to confront the causes of homelessness and permanently leave the cycle. One of the hallmarks of Providence House is our ability to maximize our resources to serve as many residents as possible. We maintain a high standard of administrative efficiency even as we widen our scope of services. Please take a moment to learn about Providence House and find out how your generous support is changing the lives of women and children. With our deep gratitude, Janet D’Addario
Sister Janet Kinney
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Mission Statement:
mphasizing the dignity of every human person, Providence House affirms its commitment to provide shelter and support to homeless, abused and formerly incarcerated women and their children in a hospitable, non-violent, compassionate and communal atmosphere. We also strive to address the causes of injustice and work towards the full and fruitful participation in the community of those with whom we share life.
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Sister Elaine Roulet, CSJ Foundress of Providence House
Our Vision:
o end the cycle of homelessness, abuse and return to incarceration through creating long-lasting change in the lives of the women and families we serve. By continuing to maintain the high standards of Providence House’s diverse programs and services while simultaneously providing a nurturing community and a caring home for each and every woman and family we take in, we believe we can make a significant impact.
Bahiea & Gabe
ince 1979, Providence House has provided shelter and support to women and families who are homeless, victims of abuse and to women recently released from prison. Our programs and services include transitional residences, transitional apartments, parole resource centers and permanent housing.
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Our mission is guided by four principles:
COMMUNITY
Providence House fosters caring relationships that provide the support women need to begin creating stable lives. A core community of religious Sisters and/or laywomen lives and works in each of our houses and participates in everyday life with the residents.
New Rochelle PH 4
PROVIDENCE HOUSE LOCATIONS
Permanent Housing
COMPASSION
Regardless of their circumstances, each resident at Providence House is treated with equal amounts of encouragement, support and compassion from Sisters and staff dedicated to helping them learn to live independently.
Queens
HOSPITALITY
The women who come to Providence House are made to feel at home. Many services are provided on-site by caring staff, and the women acquire and apply independent living skills (including cooking, cleaning and budgeting) while in residence.
NON-VIOLENCE
A history of abuse is all too common in the lives of the women we serve, whether they were abused as children or have recently escaped violent situations. Providence House provides a safe, loving haven from abusive environments and gives women the support they need to break the cycle of violence once and for all.
PH 3 PH 7 & Main Office PH 2 Samaritan House
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PH 5
Brooklyn PH 1
PH 6
“The staff here is really, really dedicated to our mission… the majority of us go above and beyond for our clients. There’s a true passion here in this organization, unlike any other that I’ve been in before.” EVANGELINE SNELL, PAROLE CASE MANAGER
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Beginning:
Tiffany Adorno & Devin
The Seeds Are Planted
Why does Providence House matter?
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HOMELESS POPULATION In 2006, the number of homeless families in shelters – more than 8,700 families – was the highest since November 2004. More New York City families entered the shelter system in fiscal year 2006 – 11,082 new homeless families – compared to 10,616 new families in fiscal year 2005, a 4.4 percent increase. Family homelessness in New York City increased by 11 percent in 2006, a year in which the number of homeless families in shelters rose nearly every month. Source: Coalition for the Homeless 2006 Fall Update
Pre-Shelter Experiences of Families in New York
60%
Eviction
46%
Loss of Public Benefits
44%
Physical Health Problems
43%
Emotional Health Problems
39%
Loss of Housing Subsidy
31%
Family Conflict
28%
Domestic Violence
21%
Substance abuse
19%
Incarceration
SISTER ELAINE ROULET CSJ, FOUNDRESS
vent. A group of three Sisters, along with Sister Elaine, began to look for a house where they could accommodate more women. After much searching, they settled on the former Xaverian Brothers house at Holy Cross Parish in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. In August 1979, the vision for Providence House was realized when the four Sisters moved in to prepare a home for families who needed a temporary place to stay.
Providence House 1979-1990
19% 0
20%
40%
60%
Source: “Understanding Family Homelessness in New York City,” Vera Institute of Justice, Feb 2005.
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Sister Elaine asked the Sisters at St. James Convent in Brooklyn (where she lived) if they would provide hospitality for these women, and the Sisters readily agreed. Within a short time, the number of women who needed hospitality outgrew the space available at the con-
“The poor have shaped our lives – their resilience, their ability to begin again when days are dark, their courage, their trust in God. These have been role models for us to pattern our own lives as we all journey.”
Prevalence of events among families during the five years before entering shelter Job loss
he beginnings of Providence House grew out of a response to a need that Sister Elaine Roulet saw firsthand while ministering to ex-offenders at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility as the Director of the Children’s Center, where children visited with their mothers during their incarceration. Shortly prior to their release, women were approved for weekend furloughs so that they might begin the reunification process with their families. The problem was that there was no place for them to stay on these weekend visits, since often times their family members and children had been split up among relatives or were living in foster care situations.
PH1
Church Avenue 1979
1979 Robert Hayes, a lawyer from the Coalition for the Homeless, brought PH2 a lawsuit arguing Bainbridge St. that a constitutional 1982 right to shelter existed in New York State
Providence House has since grown from the house on Church Avenue to include five transitional residences located in Brooklyn and Queens; a transitional residence and permanent housing program in Westchester; and an apartment program and two permanent housing facilities in Brooklyn. Much more than temporary housing, Providence House is a community where women receive support from each other and from the dedicated Sisters and staff, who employ a holistic approach to guiding the women towards creating safe, stable homes of their own.
“After 25 years at Providence House, I can truthfully say it’s been a great life. Tending to the things that really matter, living a philosophy that teaches me that for many of the women of Providence House my life will be the only gospel they will ever read.” Sister Mary Dunleavy, CSJ, Founding Sister
● At the five transitional residences in Brooklyn and Queens, a core community of religious Sisters continues to live in a congregate setting with the residents, sharing meals and teaching by example. ● The Westchester transitional residence and the apartment program in Brooklyn foster a sense of community based on the core-community model. ● Case managers work with the residents to identify and address their specific needs, including healthcare, childcare and employment issues. ● House managers assist the women in developing the independent living skills (cooking, cleaning, budgeting) that are integral to maintaining a household. ● Housing relocation specialists work with residents to secure affordable, permanent housing to facilitate a transition from Providence House to independent living. ● Providence House has a nurse case manager on staff to assess the health status of each resident upon arrival, and to follow up with the residents on a regular basis to ensure that they receive appropriate health services.
Betty Williams, House Manager; Kendra Gilson, Case Manager; Karen Russell, Assistant Program Director
General Profile of Providence House residents ● 4 out of 5 Providence House residents receive public assistance ● More than 40% of Providence House residents have children living with them, and almost 90% of them are under the age of 10 ● Almost 80% of women at Providence House are between 21 and 39 years old and the average age of the adult residents is less than 30. ● Providence House residents have spent an average of 8 months in the shelter system.
Time Spent Homeless Before Admission to Providence House Number of Months
Less Than 2
26%
4-6
26%
6-9
17%
9-12
13%
12 plus
18%
0
10%
20%
30%
POSITIVE RESULTS: By 2006, Providence House had taken in more than 6,700 women and 3,500 children who had nowhere else to go. As the needs of the population we serve change, Providence House will evolve to meet those needs.
1982 Average daily NYC homeless population
PH3
1st Office
Jamaica 1983
Thrift Shop
1983-1992
7,584
PH5
1984
Lincoln Rd. 1986
PH4
New Rochelle 1986
House of Providence
Coney Island 1988 * Becomes PH6 in 1996
Providence House
Expands
rovidence House has seven transitional residences, each of which is staffed by professionals who provide a range of services to the residents, including case management, assistance with basic life skills and household management, referrals for housing, education, job training and other support services in the community, and help with obtaining permanent housing.
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TRANSITIONAL RESIDENCES
Congregate residences, located in Brooklyn, Queens and Westchester, provide transitional housing and support to homeless and abused women and their children. Our transitional apartments in Brooklyn have a capacity for 15 mothers and
Why does Providence House matter? POSITIVE RESULTS Our program results demonstrate that Providence House makes a difference in the lives of our residents.
By the time they leave, Providence House residents have been equipped to face the challenges of living successfully on their own.
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Mary Walton, House Manager; Sister Connie Kennedy CSJ
42 children, and provide each family with their own separate apartment. A childcare center helps mothers balance their familial responsibilities with commitments such as training and education, finding permanent housing, and seeking employment.
PAROLE RESOURCE CENTERS
Congregate residences, one for single women and one for women and their babies, provide shelter and support for women directly released from prison. Women are given referrals for housing, education, job training and other programs. Most
Suzette and Sonny
women stay 3 to 6 months in the centers. A third residence provides housing for single working women on parole, providing a greater level of independence as they work and save for permanent housing.
PERMANENT HOUSING
Providence House operates permanent housing facilities for formerly homeless families in lower Westchester and Brooklyn. Case management services are provided to assist families with the adjustment of caring for their own apartment and gaining access to services in their local community.
“Time and time again, I have witnessed women and children encountering life obstacles and transforming them into opportunities for growth and wholeness. Providence House provides a safe space where that encounter can happen. To be a part of that transformation is life-changing for all involved.� SISTER MARIE SORENSON, ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/PROGRAMS
Providence House 1991-1994
1990 Permanent houses for homeless families in NYC
7,165
PH8
Sackman St. 1991
1991 Affordable housing units in NYC
928,950
A communal dinner at Providence House 5
Why does Providence House matter? PAROLE POPULATION There are over 97,000 women in American prisons today, a 17% increase from 1999. Providence House takes a holistic approach to supporting the women and children that live in our residences. Instead of simply focusing on their need for housing, our programs and services seek to address all the barriers to independent living that they may face.
CASE MANAGEMENT
Our on-site case managers complete an intake assessment that allows us to develop an individualized plan of action with residents based on their history, current situation, resources and goals. Depending on their particular needs, we make referrals to the appropriate community resources for GED and educational services, employment training,
and medical and substance abuse programs. We also act as advocates when the residents need additional assistance.
HOUSING RELOCATION
Our housing specialists work with residents on the housing application process, networking with local landlords and real estate brokers to help locate suitable and affordable housing alternatives, and applying for subsidies and other housing financial assistance programs.
INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS TRAINING
On-site house managers facilitate the learning of independent living skills such as cooking, cleaning, and
More than 75% of incarcerated women are mothers of children under the age of 18. Up to 11% of released prisoners in New York State enter homeless shelters within two years of release; 32% of this population is re-incarcerated. 57% of women in state prisons report a history of physical or sexual abuse. Almost half of incarcerated women in need of drug addiction treatment do not receive it in prison. *Source: Women’s Prison Association
budgeting. This gives residents the skills to manage their own apartment and finances when they leave Providence House.
“I was greeted with open arms, me scared to death right out of the state pen after serving seven and a half years… What I am saying is that they help you feel safe, offer help and if they can’t help, you will know by the end of the day somebody can.” DANIELE Heather and Quinton
Current office Providence House Inc. Lexington Ave. 1991
1993 Average daily NYC homeless population
1994 Average daily NYC homeless population
23,748
23,431
Permanent Housing
New Rochelle 1995
PH3 and PH8 merge Jamaica 1995
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Future Growth of Providence House Why does Supportive Housing matter? LONG-TERM STABILITY Supportive housing not only provides an affordable permanent home, but a community of care and hospitality that takes into account the financial, physical and mental challenges faced by its tenants. By helping residents with special needs along the way, supportive housing also realizes significant cost efficiencies. The cost of sheltering a homeless family in New York City is $36,000 per year. The cost of incarcerating a person in New York City is $68,000 per year.* IN CONTRAST Supportive housing with services costs as little as $12,500 per family per year. Source: Coalition for the Homeless *Source: Women’s Prison Association
or many former residents, the challenge of living independently is daunting, particularly during the first few years. The stresses of caring for their children, finding and maintaining a job, attending a training program or taking care of a medical or substance abuse problem can be overwhelming. Many residents are able to cope with these stresses, but others find it difficult to remain independent over the long term.
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The professional staff at Providence House makes a special effort to assist its residents with housing, employment, education and other issues during and after their stay with us. Providence House is now formalizing and expanding several proactive programs to help women during their first year of living
Residents pitch in to help with the cooking
independently. It is our ultimate goal to keep all of our former residents out of the cycle of homelessness and/or incarceration and on the road to permanent independence.
Employment Challenges ● When admitted to Providence House, only 20% of women are employed. ● Almost half of women at Providence House believe that their biggest barrier to employment is a lack of education and training. ● Only18% of Providence House residents have graduated high school, and just 7% have graduated college.
“I love the fact that I am doing something to help a community which needs it so much. That means the most to me.” MONZURA RHUE, DIRECTOR
Providence House 1998-Present
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1998 Permanent houses for homeless families in NYC 4,482
PH7 Apartment Program Lexington Avenue 2001
PH2
OF
moves to Prospect Avenue 2003
ADMINISTRATION
2005 Average daily NYC homeless population 33,687
Samaritan House consolidates with Providence House 2006
New & Expanded Initiatives Employment Because homelessness is often caused by job loss, it’s important that women have the skills and training to stay gainfully employed. Our Employment Program aims to provide our residents with resources and services to help them find and retain long-term employment. Residents are assisted in identifying transferable skills, setting career goals and securing employment, as well as identifying education and job training opportunities.
The Handprints Wall, Adult and Child residents from PH3
Supportive Housing Expanding Providence House’s outreach, a supportive affordable housing program is under development. This housing complex will provide permanent housing for graduates of our transitional housing programs, women who have had histories of homelessness and incarceration. In addition, a percentage of the apartments will be set aside for single low-income parents from the community. The facility will offer a full spectrum of supportive services.
Aftercare Our recently inaugurated aftercare program ensures that for up to one year after residents leave Providence House, they will be contacted by our aftercare case manager, starting with weekly phone calls and visits to the former resident’s new home during the first 90 days and biweekly phone calls and monthly visits thereafter. Additionally, the aftercare case manager helps the family address their individual needs, such as assisting in landlord-tenant negotiations or referrals for job training, substance abuse services, and childcare.
Family Health Services Program
“The staff there was very warm and compassionate. The experience at Providence House has changed my life immensely.” MARGO
Samaritan House For the past two years, Providence House has assumed management of Samaritan House, a supportive housing program that provides a permanent home for women and their families. Founded by the late Sister Kathleen Toner, IHM, the management of Samaritan House was assumed by Providence House after Sister Kathy’s death, when their Board realized they could no longer manage this hands-on role. The full consolidation of Samaritan House with Providence House occurred in December 2006.
The intersection of poor health and homelessness is irrefutable. Untreated disease and disability contribute to homelessness, are consequent to it, and present barriers to its ultimate end. Most children and mothers in homeless shelters were medically underserved before becoming homeless. Our Family Health Services Program employs a Nurse Case Manager who assesses each family upon arrival at Providence House, maps a health plan for each individual’s needs, and follows up with each family on a regular basis to ensure appropriate health services are being accessed. Source For Timeline: History of Modern Homelessness in New York, Coalition for the Homeless (March 2003); New York City Department of Homeless Services Historical data; Housing in a Growing City Report (July 2002).
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A GIFT TO PROVIDENCE HOUSE WILL FUND: ● THE AFTERCARE SERVICES PROGRAM, an in-house initiative to ensure that clients who leave Providence House remain successfully housed and employed. Presently, this initiative is completely funded by private donations. Each client receives follow up for one full year. ● Our MULTIPLE LIFE SKILLS PROGRAMS that teach our residents critical and practical skills necessary for independent living, such as parenting, budgeting, good hygiene, employment and communication skills.
● ESSENTIAL CAPITAL REPAIRS. Many Providence House residences are located in edifices that are around 100 years old. All of our buildings are maintained beyond code because Providence House regularly invests in their upkeep – but this is costly. Also, in keeping with Providence House’s mission, we believe in maintaining a home atmosphere (not a typical shelter) and this requires regular repairs to the physical structures. And no government funds are received for capital repairs and improvements. This Annual Report was created by volunteers working through the Taproot Foundation http://www.taprootfoundation.org
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CLOSING THE FUNDING GAP
Many of Providence House's programs are funded through government contracts. However, these contracts are not always sufficient to cover program costs. We rely on private funding to keep current programs going, and to bridge gaps between fixed government funding and actual program costs.
Government contracts are awarded on a fixed-cost basis and often don't increase from year to year. In fact, these contracts have decreased even as our expenses have increased due to inflation and other market factors. For example, from 2004 to 2005, our expenses increased 4.3%, while government assistance decreased nearly 7%. In 2006, almost 24% of our revenues came from private donations, so your support is key to maintaining our operations and bringing new programs to life.
Providence House relies on the generosity of its corporate, individual and public donors. However, all too often, there is a wide gap between what we need and what we have.
HOW TO HELP Your generous contribution can make a difference in the lives of women and children throughout New York. Because Providence House spends 85 cents on the dollar for its programs and services, your gift will go to work immediately. To make a donation or learn more about Providence House, please contact Executive Director Sister Janet Kinney or Development Director Jose Ortiz at (718) 455-0197 or by e-mail kinneyj@providencehouse.org and ortizj@providencehouse.org. Online donations can also be made through the Network for Good website at www.networkforgood.org. “Every donation to Providence House is a gift to the women and children who live here. Our residents are always our top priority, and we’re always striving to make sure that each gift provides as much benefit to them as possible. That’s what serving others is all about.” JOSE ORTIZ DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
“Every day we are making a difference in these women’s lives. We motivate them to become independent by taking charge of their life choices.” SHAHARA MARRERO, CASE MANAGER
Providence House, Inc. 703 Lexington Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11221 Phone: 718.455.0197 Fax: 718.455.0692 Email: info@providencehouse.org http://www.providencehouse.org