Displaying items by tag: recommended practices

by Valerie Harkins, Executive Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition

The story of maternity housing in 2024 is one of resilience, growth, and a deepening commitment to supporting women in need. Across the United States and beyond, the Maternity Housing Coalition (MHC) has witnessed a remarkable expansion of its reach, reflecting broader trends of compassion and community-driven solutions in an ever-evolving social landscape. This year’s impact report paints a picture of a movement gaining momentum, fueled by the collective efforts of affiliates and a shared vision of care.

In the United States, the number of maternity homes has climbed steadily, reaching nearly 500 by the close of 2024—a notable rise from the previous year. This growth, sparked in part by the post-Dobbs landscape, tells a tale of adaptation and response. Since 2022, the total number of homes has swelled by more than 17%, with new startups doubling from last year alone. These figures hint at a quiet but powerful surge: communities stepping up, often in the face of daunting challenges, to provide safe havens for expectant and new mothers. The MHC's affiliates—those dedicated organizations that amplify this mission—grew by almost 14%, with a striking 38.5% increase since the Dobbs decision reshaped the national conversation around maternal support. Today, these homes stretch across 48 states, weaving a tapestry of care that touches nearly every corner of the country.

The women at the heart of this story—over 1,200 served, by conservative estimates—represent the real impact. Each number is a life supported, a mother given the stability and resources to navigate one of life’s most transformative moments. And while the data captures only a fraction of the full picture, it underscores a growing need and an equally growing response. Notably, more than 50 of these homes partner with pregnancy help centers, bridging gaps and creating a continuum of care that feels both innovative and deeply rooted in community values.

Internationally, the narrative takes on an even broader scope. With maternity homes now present in 30 countries and more than 150 in operation, the global footprint of this work is expanding at an inspiring pace. The MHC's international affiliates, numbering over 70, reflect a 17% leap in market share—a testament to the universal resonance of this mission. Mothers everywhere, it seems, are finding solidarity and support through these networks, from rural villages to bustling cities. In contrast, the U.S. market share, while still commanding a significant 42%, grew more modestly, suggesting that the international story may be where the next chapter of this movement unfolds most dramatically.

What ties these trends together is the MHC itself—a steady hand fostering connection, offering training, and advocating for policies that uplift maternity housing as a vital resource. The rise in startups, the deepening ties with affiliates, and the international swell all point to a truth: this work is not just about homes, but about building a foundation for hope. As legislative landscapes shift and societal needs evolve, the Maternity Housing Coalition stands as a beacon, guiding its members toward a future where no mother walks alone. In 2024, that future feels closer than ever.

MHC's 2024 Impact Report will be published and available at this year's International Pregnancy Help Conference. Join us and register today!

by Valerie Harkins, Executive Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition

Running a Christian maternity home is a sacred calling—one that requires wisdom, discernment, and an ever-present commitment to the well-being of the women we serve. However, the complexity of house rules and resident handbooks can sometimes hinder rather than help. As leaders, it is essential to periodically review and simplify our guidelines to ensure they align with our mission, support trauma-informed care, and create a healthier environment for both residents and staff.

The Benefits of Fewer, More Impactful Rules

Maternity homes often accumulate an extensive list of rules over time, each intended to address specific behaviors or concerns. While structure is necessary, an overabundance of rules can create confusion, resistance, and an atmosphere of legalism rather than transformation. Research in trauma-informed care suggests that individuals who have experienced significant hardship—such as those in crisis pregnancies—respond better to environments that prioritize clarity, consistency, and emotional safety over rigid control (SAMHSA, 2014).

Here’s why fewer, well-enforced rules lead to better outcomes:

1. Increased Adherence – Too many rules can overwhelm residents, leading them to disengage. Trauma-impacted individuals often struggle with authority due to past experiences; simple, clear expectations increase the likelihood of compliance (Bloom, 2010).
2. Enhanced Mission Alignment – Every rule should directly reflect your home’s mission. If a rule does not serve a clear and meaningful purpose, it may be more of a hindrance than a help.
3. Reduced Staff Burnout – Staff members are tasked with enforcing policies, and an overly complex rulebook increases their workload and stress. Simplified guidelines free them to focus on relationship-building and discipleship rather than constant policing.
4. Greater Resident Growth – A structured yet flexible environment allows residents to make meaningful choices, take personal responsibility, and develop life skills that will serve them beyond their time in your home.

Begin reviewing and simplifying your guidelines in four easy steps.

1. Evaluate Your Current Rules

A practical first step is to review each rule through the lens of your mission and impact. Ask:

• Does this rule directly support our core values?
• Is it necessary for safety, order, or spiritual growth?
• Is it enforceable in a fair and consistent way?
• Does it encourage autonomy and personal responsibility?
• Is it communicated clearly and simply?

Rules that do not meet these criteria may need to be revised or eliminated. This review should also include staff and, when appropriate, resident feedback to ensure rules are realistic and effective.

2. Review Your Rules' Biblical Foundation for Clarity and Integrity

Scripture speaks to the importance of simple, truthful, and consistent communication. Jesus instructs in Matthew 5:37, “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” A maternity home should be a place where both residents and staff trust that expectations are clear and that enforcement is fair. If rules are too numerous or inconsistently applied, trust erodes, leading to unnecessary conflict and stress.

Additionally, Colossians 3:21 warns, “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” While maternity home residents are not children, the principle remains: an environment with excessive, unclear, or inconsistently enforced rules can breed discouragement rather than growth.

3. Embrace the Role of Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma-informed care acknowledges that many maternity home residents have experienced significant emotional, physical, or spiritual wounds. A punitive, rigid structure often reinforces their past experiences of instability and rejection. Instead, clear and meaningful rules...

• promote predictability, which is crucial for emotional safety
• encourage respectful dialogue, rather than a power struggle
• allow natural consequences to shape growth instead of unnecessary punitive measures

By embracing a trauma-informed approach, maternity homes create an environment where healing is prioritized over control, ultimately leading to better long-term outcomes for residents.

4. Implement Thoughtful and Clear Communication

Once rules are streamlined, they must be communicated effectively. Consider implementing the following:

• A concise handbook that explains each rule’s purpose
• Regular orientation sessions to reinforce understanding
• A consistent enforcement approach so that residents know what to expect
• Opportunities for open discussion that allow residents to ask questions and seek clarification without fear

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1. SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach | SAMHSA Publications and Digital Products. (2014, October). Samhsa.gov. https://library.samhsa.gov/product/samhsas-concept-trauma-and-guidance-trauma-informed-approach/sma14-4884

‌2. Bloom, S. (2010). Organizational Stress as a Barrier to Trauma-Informed Service Delivery. Springer. https://connectingparadigms.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/21360-Organizational_Stress_as_a_Barrier_to_Trauma-Informed-Bloom.pdf

by Valerie Harkins, Executive Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition

In maternity housing, providing a safe and nurturing environment goes hand-in-hand with giving residents a voice. Honoring each woman’s dignity requires valuing her unique perspective and ensuring she feels heard. After all, the mission of a maternity home is to serve residents—not the other way around. This foundational commitment, established at incorporation and upheld for donors and constituents alike, keeps the organization focused on its true purpose: service through ministry to residents.

Structured resident surveys can be instrumental in fostering this environment. Anonymous surveys with open-ended questions allow residents to express their thoughts freely, supporting both transparency and safety. However, concerns inevitably arise: "What if residents lie or don’t tell the full story?" or "What if they manipulate responses to create triangulation?" Acknowledging these realities—along with the possibility that staff voices might go unheard—does not diminish the value of feedback. In fact, it strengthens it by promoting checks and balances between residents and staff. The survey process itself, done with integrity, serves as an accountability measure that protects both parties.

Beyond immediate insights, surveys reveal trends over time. While one resident’s perspective may be unique, repeated themes across surveys highlight patterns that can guide program adjustments. Additionally, survey data provides essential outcome measurements, serving as a valuable tool for evaluating program efficacy and reporting to donors, board members, and staff.

Example survey questions that invite honest reflection include:

• "What has your experience in the home been like this month?

• “What helped you?”

• “What did not help you?”

• “Did you feel safe this month? Why or why not?”

• “Is there anything on your mind that you’d like us to know that you might not feel comfortable sharing in person?”

• “What has your spiritual experience been like this month?”

• “Did you learn anything new this month? If so, what did you learn?”

• “What do you feel you need most right now?”

• “How was your sobriety journey this month?”

• “How many close friends do you have right now?”

• “What are your goals for the future?”

• "What do you feel you need most right now?"

Through structured feedback, maternity homes can fulfill their mission of dignified service, ensuring the organization remains a sanctuary of support, integrity, and growth.