What We Do

Welcome women & children

St. Margaret’s House is the only low-barrier center exclusively for women in the South Bend region.

Our work is rooted in the gospel hospitality of Matthew 25: 35-36: “For when I was hungry, you fed me. When I was thirsty, you gave me a drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me. I was naked, you clothed me. When I was sick, you took care of me.”

Hours

M-F: 10am-3pm
S-Su: Closed

Meet Essential Needs

Neuroscience research tells us a person must feel safe, fed, rested, clean, and warm before pursuing higher-level needs. For this reason, we provide:

Breakfast
Hot lunch
Showers
Clothing & toiletries
Mail service
Technology
Safe space for rest

Provide Individual Services

We work 1-1 with women as they discern and take concrete steps to improve their lives. We help them connect to:

Housing
Work
Health care & benefits
Community resources

Offer Classes

We also provide programming relevant to our guests’ needs and interests. Current programs include:

Parenting
Self-care
Yoga & meditation
Nutrition & health
Fitness
In-depth art classes
Digital literacy
Spirituality circles

Create Community

We understand that connection and community are essential to well-being. One of the most impactful things that happens here is that women find a listening ear without judgment.  This sense of community—of sisterhood—changes all of our lives.

We acknowledge and support women through the hard times, and are also intentional about joy and fun:

Daily lunch circle to share victories and prayer requests
Field trips to expand horizons
Annual baby shower to celebrate new moms
Annual Guest Picnic, Thanksgiving Feast, and Christmas Luncheon
Celebrations for holidays and events
Countless shared laughs (and tears)

Silk Creations

Through this empowerment program, women learn the craft of painting on silk, creating one-of-a-kind hand-painted pieces of art in the form of scarves, prints, notecards, and jewelry that are sold to the public.
Participants develop:

Organization and problem-solving skills
Basic business skills
Leadership skills
Mentorship
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