Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.  What is the entry criteria?

Expectant mothers must be willing to:

	Participate in prenatal care
	Live in a structured environment
	Continue their education
	Pursue work or volunteer
	Establish goals that will ultimately lead to self-reliance

2.  What happens to Casa's residents after the baby's birth and where do they go after completing their stay at Casa?

Rental rates in the Bay Area are quite possibly the highest in the nation and they are continuing to rise.  These rents are out of proportion with the income of Casa residents - in fact, they are totally out of reach!  Therefore, Casa Vincentia joined forces with several other Bay Area non-profit agencies, all of which were experiencing similar housing affordability problems and formed the Homeless Youth Collaborative.

Thanks to Casa's collaboration with the Homeless Youth Collaborative and the support received from the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Supportive Housing Program (SHP), Casa has been able to expand it's program services to include a transitional housing component.

Casa has two housing units.  Each house accommodates two mothers and their infant for a period not to exceed two years.  The housing units are completely subsidized by SHP.

3.  How successful are Casa's program graduates after completing their stay in the Transitional Housing Program?

The program has proven to be very successful.  Three of our residents have completed the Transitional Housing Program and are living in permanent housing, independent and off welfare programs.  Our newest Transitional Housing Program residents are currently employed, enrolled in job training programs or continuing their education.  Their success is attributed to their beginning at Casa Vincentia and our mandatory parenting and life skills preparation.  These supportive services are made possible through volunteers and donor support.

4.  With only two houses for transition, what happens to the women who are not able to secure space in the Transitional Housing Program?

The answer to this question is heartbreaking, as approximately 40% of the women return to relationships and/or environments that are unhealthy for the mother and the child.

The good news is we are able to continue providing supportive services through our AfterCare Program.  These services include encouraging the mothers to pursue their goals that were established during their stay at Casa Vincentia, with the realization that their choices dictate the future of their child.

5.  Do the money and donations really help the women to improve their chances for success/live independently or does Casa just provide a crutch?

Casa's services and support before and after the baby's birth are only possible because of the kindness and generosity of Casa's friends.  Among some of the obstacles and challenges that make it very difficult for young mothers, who are single-parents, to leave the welfare rolls and end their cycle of homeless/poverty are sickly infants, repeat pregnancies, low self esteem, poor education and lack of job skills.  The staff of Casa Vincentia works to address all of these obstacles and challenges through wholesome nurturing, basic life skills, education and job training classes.

6.  How do you measure Casa's success?

The high percentage of healthy babies and low rate of repeat pregnancies are proof that Casa makes a real difference in the women's lives.  In the past three years, only one women  out of sixty eight has had a second pregnancy!

The young mothers at Casa are taking our motto to heart: "Welfare is a stepping stone, not a resting place".  The percentage of previous residents who are securing employment, continuing their education and living in a stable healthy environment far exceeds the number of women who are not succeeding in their attempts to overcome these formidable challenges and that number continues to increase.

7.  What do you need to keep Casa Vincentia open and operating viable programs?

Casa Vincentia needs your continued support and prayers.  We need assistance with the expansion of our donor base both financially and in-kind, assistance with writing grants to the philanthropic community, and volunteers to assist with the planning and preparation of fundraising events.