Our Program

The House of Refuge Program

The House of Refuge team works together to make a difference in the community every day. When a homeless family comes to House of Refuge they receive a home, furnishings, clothing, food bags, individualized case management services, and employment and education support. The House of Refuge program stabilizes their lives and helps families transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to live at House of Refuge, an individual must be deemed homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, or fleeing domestic violence and have custody of at least one minor child living with him/her; or be in her third trimester of pregnancy.

In addition, an individual must submit to a drug and background check, be able to work, and have an income of $1,170/month. Eligible families must sign a lease and agree to pay $400 a month, including utilities.

Case Management

Every resident at House of Refuge is assigned a professional case manager who will work with the resident to develop an individualized case plan that is unique to each family. These plans address barriers and outline the steps necessary to reach full employment and/or educational goals. Case management plans may focus on life skills, employment, childcare and navigating any available benefits. As the family continues in the program, a housing plan is developed. This individualized plan helps families stabilize their lives, become self-sufficient and transition into sustainable housing.

House of Refuge Programs & Family Facilities

Employment & Education Center

Our on-site, multi-purpose Employee & Education Center (EEC) offers residents access to a computer lab, internet connection, copier, and fax machine. Residents can gain employment, increase wages, and in some cases, further their education. Residents visit the EEC to get assistance with a résumé, to research job opportunities, complete job applications, complete online classes, and discuss employment and education goals. With guidance from the Case Manager of Workforce Development, residents can create their own career and education goals, and attend career fairs, family nutrition classes, financial literacy classes, and other life-skill seminars.

Community Center

The Community Center offers school-aged (5-11) children on-site access to a safe, stable, after-school environment with programming designed to enhance social and educational growth. During the academic year, children can participate in after-school activities including tutoring, arts and crafts, pet therapy, and STEM-based projects. During the summer, the Community Center hosts programs allowing children to have structured activities, lunch, snacks, field trips, and plenty of playtime!

Teen Center

The Teen Center is dedicated as a special, safe space for our teen residents (12-17) to gather. Programming offers youth a fun-filled environment designed to support academic success, mental health, substance abuse prevention, healthy habits & life choices, and friendship while promoting positive relationships and connecting teens to community resources. The carefully crafted curriculum blends opportunities for tutoring, team building, and life-skills development into enjoyable field trips and activities, to provide teens with hope for the future.

Helping Hands House Donation Center

The Donation Center is a busy hub in the neighborhood. Many of the residents arrive with few to zero personal belongings. With the generous support of our local community, families can begin to rebuild their lives and homes. When residents move in, they can “shop” the Donation Center for clothing, furniture, food, and other household items. Every item that a family acquires from the Donation Center is theirs to keep and take with them when they leave House of Refuge.

State Certified Food Bank

House of Refuge is a designated public food bank able to distribute food directly to families in need. Individuals in need of food can visit our Donation Center Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You do not need to show any identification, financials, or address. No appointment is necessary.

Ready to Help?

If you would like to get involved with House of Refuge, either as a volunteer, a donor, or in another capacity, you are invited to come and visit the House of Refuge community to learn more about a special place where miracles happen every day.