 Naomi's House is a collaborative project among the Poverello House and Holy Cross Center for Women. The mission of Naomi's House is to provide a gentle haven of safety to homeless women who are living on the streets. We recognize that although there are excellent local programs for homeless women, there are nevertheless not enough places for these women to find shelter. There are also women who, for whatever reason, do not avail themselves of existing programs. This may be due to choice, advanced substance abuse, or mental illness. These women have only one other option: to live on the streets, where they are subjected to violence, sexual abuse, and disease; where the only shelter they have may be a cardboard box or a spot under a freeway overpass; where they are at the mercy of the harsh winter and summer elements. Naomi's House specifically targets these women, offering them an overnight refuge in a relaxed atmosphere. There is structure, but it is minimal. However, because these women have so many overwhelming needs, an array of medical and social services will be made available to them through the assets of the collaborating agencies, linked community resources, and by skilled staff intervention. In addition to overnight shelter, services provided will include meals, day shelter at Holy Cross Center for Women, medical and dental care at Holy Cross Clinic at Poverello, case management and medical assessment, education about issues endemic to homelessness, and referrals to appropriate organizations. Naomi's House is located at 445 "F" Street in Fresno, adjacent to the Holy Cross Center for Women and across the street from Poverello House. The facility consists of the original 864 square foot house and modular units behind the house. The total shelter capacity is 24.  |