Maternity Homes

Alicia was 5 months pregnant, homeless, hungry, and wondering how she was ever going to be able to safely raise a baby. Her situation was dire, and she felt as though all hope was lost.

On the brink of a breakdown, that’s when Alicia called us. She had no idea that there was a solution to all her worries, not far away: the maternity home.

That’s right. Not many people know that these actually exist in Illinois, but they do… and they are an incredible resource for pregnant women and new mothers who find themselves in difficult situations.

Located in several locations throughout our state, these special homes provide pregnant women, who have no place to live, with a safe place to reside during and after their pregnancy. They are different from pregnancy resource centers (PRCs), but many times the two will support each other and work together. Typically, mothers are given the option to reside at the home during their pregnancy and after birth for a certain amount of time.

In addition to shelter, maternity homes can provide their residents with nutritious meals, care for mom, and supplies for the new baby. They offer loving hospitality to multiple women, so mothers have the opportunity to live in a healthy communal environment. Many of these homes provide other services as well, such as counseling, parenting classes, career preparation, and assistance finding future housing after their stay is complete.

To become a resident at one of these homes, a woman will go through an application process. Space is limited, but there are reoccurring openings. Sometimes maternity homes also have special requirements to be a part of their community. For example, a home may ask that their moms take part in a bible study program, daily chores, or a certain routine.

And it’s all worth it. Alicia can attest to that.

Right now, Alicia is living in an Illinois maternity home with other moms, and she’s happy, healthy, safe, and getting ready for the arrival of her little one. For Alicia and so many other women like her, this was a shining light of hope when she had no place else to turn.

We can help connect you with a maternity home if you are in need: just call us!

312.422.9300

Some of the wonderful maternity homes and other organizations that give shelter to pregnant women here in Illinois (although this list is not exhaustive) are:

Beth House (Morning Star Mission)

350 E. Washington St.

Joliet, IL 60543

[email protected]

815.722.5780

Fontebella Maternity Home

P.O. Box 137

O’Fallon, IL 62269

[email protected]

(618) 406-4355

Beerlahai Roi Women’s Ministries

7811 Olde Carriage Way