Alexandria’s House is a transitional living facility for pregnant and parenting teenagers and their babies. The home, established in 1990, has six furnished bedrooms, three bathrooms as well as shared kitchen, living and laundry facilities. Alexandria’s House offers comprehensive case management and 24-hour staff supervision and is licensed by the state of Washington.
Teen pregnancy, which is often either a cause or consequence of homelessness, puts young mothers at greater risk for poverty, domestic violence and lack of education. Babies born to teen mothers are at increased risk of developing physical, social and cognitive problems.* These teens and their babies receive support, education and empowerment at Alexandria's House, where:
- moms and babies live in a safe, supportive and nurturing home for up to 18 months or until the mother’s twentieth birthday
- babies get a healthy start with pre-natal and well-baby care
- young mothers learn independent living and parenting skills
Alexandria’s House serves pregnant and parenting teenagers who are:
- homeless or in transition to living independently
- low-income and seeking stability and progression in school, employment or treatment services
- unable to live with family
Resident mothers:
- contribute to shared cooking and cleaning responsibilities
- meet with public health nurses
- participate in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program
- work toward individual goals with a case manager
- attend school and/or work
- contribute to their room and board expenses
- provide proper supervision and care for their babies
*Henshaw, Kenney, Somberg, & Van Vort, 1989