Siena HOUSE

 

About Us

Siena House is a Tier II Family Shelter providing transitional housing for 27 pregnant women and women with children under the age of three.  A not-for-profit, non-denominational organization, we receive referrals through the NYC Department of Homeless Services.

Located in the South Bronx, Siena House was one of New York City’s first shelters to accept women who are pregnant or have newborn babies. The shelter was named in honor of St. Catherine of Siena, the 13th century patron saint of Italy, who assisted young homeless women in becoming self-sufficient. The women come from all five boroughs of New York City and are offered shelter until they are able to find permanent housing and maintain independent living.

Primarily funded by the Department of Homeless Services, the shelter provides women with housing, food, pre-natal classes, child care, and a variety of educational programs. The women also participate in innovative life-skills seminars in supportive group settings where they learn parenting and related skills necessary to improve their ability to move beyond shelter into permanent housing.

 

Our Population:

The average family in Siena House consists of a 22 year old mother with one child under the age of three years.  In all likelihood she has never graduated from high school (63%) and has had less than 6 months of work experience (85%). 

 

We Provide:

A safe clean residence

Three nutritious, home cooked meals

On-site social services

Assistance in obtaining permanent housing

Daycare for infants and children, including early literacy

Life skills workshops (job readiness, parenting, independent living skills, Domestic Violence Awareness)

Motivational goal setting women’s groups

Tutoring, Basic Computer Skills, Resume writing, Pre/ post-natal education,  health and safety workshops, arts and crafts