Beatitude House, Somplace Safe collaborate to meet ongoing needs

Staff report

WARREN

Beatitude House, 1370 Tod Ave. NW, is collaborating with Someplace Safe and Solace Center, Trumbull County’s domestic violence programs, to meet the ongoing needs of women and children in its transitional housing facility.

Last year, Beatitude House provided transitional housing for 29 homeless families, 24 of whom reported domestic violence as a reason for seeking assistance. Since most of the clients also have utilized the services of Someplace Safe, the partnership between the two organizations is a natural one. For more than a year, Someplace Safe has hosted domestic violence support group sessions at Beatitude House’s A House of Blessing.

In 2016, Beatitude House was one of three area agencies to experience a cut in its federal HUD spending for transitional housing, a $214,000-per-year loss for the organization. In response, Beatitude House began exploring how it could maintain services to its clients. In February, Someplace Safe will be assuming ownership of Beatitude House’s A House of Blessing. All current clients have been relocated to a similar program with safe, affordable housing in accordance with the missions’ of both organizations.

The Ursuline Sisters Scholars Program has a two-pronged approach by providing financial support and one-on-one mentorship. The program works because it helps capable, motivated students overcome everyday challenges that could derail educational goals – challenges students from middle-class families rarely encounter. Assistance provided addresses the student’s basic needs for food, clothing and transportation as well as the need for advice from knowledgeable mentors.

Beatitude House, sponsored by the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown, is committed to all disadvantaged women and children. By creating homes, providing educational opportunities, and fostering healthy families, Beatitude House provides them with the opportunity to transform their lives. For information, visit www.beatitudehouse.com or call 330-744-3147.

Someplace Safe, a program of Family & Community Services, Inc. is Trumbull County’s only domestic violence shelter. They provide advocacy, education, supportive services, emergency 24-hour crisis intervention and shelter to those in need. Family & Community Services, Inc. is one of the largest social service agencies in Northeast Ohio and has spent the past 75 years helping individuals of all ages. The agency covers 26 counties and has more than 71 programs. To learn more or to become involved, visit fcsserves.org or call 330-297-7027.