Shalom House is a temporary shelter for women
and their children who have no where else to go.
A non-denominational 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Shalom House provides a temporary 21-bed shelter for women and children who have no where else to go. The shelter is located in the City of Harrisburg at an undisclosed location to protect clients who may be escaping abusive situations. As an emergency shelter, Shalom House provides for their basic needs: a bed, food, clothing, health and hygiene supplies, and a temporary address and telephone number.
Shalom House’s extended case management services help women move toward self-sufficiency, to never become homeless again.
Experienced caregivers know when to listen, when to hug, and when to give advice.
Shalom House services include:
- case management
- referral services
- life skills training
- computer facilities to expand current skills and prepare a resume
Mission Statement
To provide a safe, secure temporary living environment for women and women with children meeting the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter while fostering self-sufficiency through life skills development in a supportive atmosphere.
To advocate for the basic rights including respect, physical safety and security for women and children in society by engaging in activities that increase community awareness.
Programs
Shalom House provides support, case management, and guidance to three populations of homeless women:
- Emergency Sheltering for homeless women and children for up to four weeks
- Permanent housing for disabled, chronically homeless women for up to two years in our SHARP program
- Transitional Housing for homeless women veterans and their accompanying children for up to two years in our SHARP Veterans program
Each program aids participants to locate and move into housing, stabilize income and/or employment, address dysfunctional personal behaviors through recognition and redirection. Residence/participation is contingent upon demonstrating measurable progress on personal goal plan elements.
All women included in the SHARP program meet the definition of “chronically homeless” as established by HUD; they were all homeless four times out in three years, they have a verified disability or report being HIV positive, have monthly incomes that do not exceed $600, are alone, and generally have a history of substance abuse and/or mental health problems. SHARP aids a minimum of 20 women each year, two-thirds of whom are African American, all are between 30 and 54 years of age.
The SHARP Veterans program is contracted to support six women (with children if applicable) at any one time. All women must be homeless and have eligibility for Veterans Benefits, authorized by the Lebanon VA. These women commonly have PTSD, substance abuse problems, psychological challenges, and desire to re-establish a solid self-image and stability in life.
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