Mercy Home of Ohio, a nonprofit maternity ministry established in January, is actively seeking a home to begin housing and ministering to pregnant women in crisis, Executive Director Angela M. Downs Pridemore announced Wednesday.
“Women and families are the fastest-growing group among the 3.5 million people that experience homelessness in the U.S. each year,” Pridemore said.
Eight percent of pregnant women are homeless. Babies born to homeless mothers are at risk for low birth weight, delayed development and extreme poverty.
“The need is real. It is in our backyard. We are called to be more than pro-life. We are called to be pro-love, to serve this fast-growing population and break these cycles," said Pridemore.
Pridemore believes the time is right to establish such a home. Requirements include four to six bedrooms for women and their babies and a separate bedroom & bath for the residential staff. Work teams have already offered to help if the house needs renovating. Individuals and businesses that would like to donate can call (740) 851-9083.
Mercy Home of Ohio is the brainchild of Pridemore, a Ross County native and 1986 graduate of Adena High School. Mercy Home is a nonprofit organization, a Christ-centered maternity home serving the needs of at-risk pregnant women of all ages and their babies. It is privately funded by individuals, agencies and churches. Mercy Home of Ohio is not a temporary shelter, a medical provider or suitable for those with active addiction, or able to house women with other children currently in their care.
Once a suitable house is acquired, Mercy Home of Ohio will provide cost-free housing for pregnant women in need throughout the duration of pregnancy and continuing for a predetermined amount of time post-birth. Participants will live in a home setting guided by house parents and will be provided with case management; parenting, nutrition and childbirth prep classes; Bible study; financial planning; relationship, life skills, group and individual counseling; transportation to medical appointments; mentoring and tutoring. For those who need additional support, transitional housing will be offered.