Hands of Mercy Maternity Housing

Being a mother is one of the toughest jobs in the world, and it feels almost impossible when you are young and don’t have a solid support system. Hands Of Mercy Everywhere, Inc. (H.O.M.E.) a program of LSF is here to offer a safe, nurturing, and Christian environment to raise your child, specifically targeting teens mothers.

What we offer

H.O.M.E. – LSF does provide labor and delivery coaching to prepare moms for their upcoming delivery. Cradle Care housemothers have been trained in trust-based relational intervention (TBRI®) and infant mental health. They are on site to guide moms and babies from pregnancy – 2 years old.

Moms in our maternity program are provided with baby strollers, car seats, diaper bag, diapers, and other baby gear. Moms and babies have their own decorated room with cable TV for those long nights. Our moms have access evidence based programs: from Early Learning Coalition, MIECHV, Healthy Families, Healthy Start and Partners for a Healthy Baby. Transportation or on-site visits are provided. Our program has given many teen moms and their babies a successful beginning to a new life.

Learn more or apply here: Maternity & Cradle Care — Hands of Mercy Everywhere

Locations:

Faith House

Est. 2004. The Faith House, established in 2004, is a historical home with a rich heritage dating back to 1889, known as the “Bush House.” While it has undergone remodeling, the house has retained its original historical charm, including stained glass, wood floors, and windows. As the first house acquired by H.O.M.E. – LSF, it was specifically intended to support teen mothers and their babies, featuring 12 bedrooms spread across three stories, with the stunning original banisters and stairways adding to its allure. The presence of a wrap-around porch further enhances the house’s appeal.

Hope House

Est. 2015 The second acquisition made by H.O.M.E. – LSF was aimed at expanding our services and subsequently underwent remodeling using a community development block grant. The property now features seven bedrooms, three baths, and is complete accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Originally intended to serve as a daycare facility to support teen girls while they attend school, the Hope House was acquired by a board member who believed that the expansion aligned with a divine plan

Grace House

Est. 2020 The house was bequithed in the will of Emma Jean Smith, a high school typing teacher. Additionally, the house underwent remodeling using a community block grant to ensure it met all building codes. With seven bedrooms, three bathrooms, and two stories, Grace House now serves as a residence for teen mothers and their babies, providing them with a nurturing environment and the support of a dedicated full-time house mother.

Lakeside Learning Center

Est. 2024 This house was the former Belleview Community Center, and was generously donated to H.O.M.E. by the Belleview Historical Society in 2017. In 2020 Diane V. Schofield re-imagined it as a vocational prep center. It was financed by the Marion County Board of Commissioners through a community development block grand. The grand opening Lakeside Learning Center was June 1, 2024. This vocational learning center will provide life skills training, pre-vocational skills development in culinary, hospitality, daycare, mortuary cosmetology, CNA, as well as GED programs.