Clare House - Steps to Success Campaign

Clare House is the only employment-focused transitional housing program for women with children in Lancaster County that allows families with children over 12 to stay together. Since 1980, we have helped countless women and children through proven employment-focused programs, short-term housing, and goal-based services.

Currently located at 342-344 E Chestnut Street in Lancaster, we serve up to 7 families at one time.

Mission: Clare House transforms the lives of women and their children by providing safety, housing, and supportive services, grounded in an employment-focused approach

Vision: All women and their children are safe, stable, and flourishing.

Core Values: 

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This year, we hope to raise $46,000 to help us with our Steps to Success Program. 

Clare House utilizes a person-centered model called Steps to Success.  

Step 1: Building the Foundation 

Secure reliable childcare 

Obtain full-time employment. 

Establish care with a mental health provider.  

Establish Goals: 

Financial goal planning (saving, credit repair, budgeting, debt reduction, etc.) 

Mandatory Savings set at 50% of income after necessary bills (program fees, transportation, food, phone, etc.) 

Housing goal planning (affordable housing, first-time homebuying, etc.) 

Personal goal planning (transportation, mental health, self-care, education, etc.) 

Step 2: Strengthening Supports and Goal Attainment 

Apply for affordable housing if applicable. 

Continue mental health services.  

Continued budgeting efforts. 

Work on reducing debt and/or building credit. 

Attend workshops with community partners to build social capital. 

Step 3: Transitioning into Housing 

Move into housing. 

Begin receiving monthly rental subsidy (10% of the rent per month for up to one year).  

Step 4: Aftercare 

Upon successful completion of the residential program, residents are offered 1 year of ongoing case management and monthly personal/cleaning supplies. 

Continue receiving mental health services.  

Utilize the monthly rental subsidy while continuing progress towards savings and debt reduction goals (and by extension, credit score improvement).  

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Project Goals 

Economic Empowerment, Social and Emotional Support, Help with Child Development and Stability and  Connecting to and with Community Resources 

Project Impact

Clare House currently measures client s income, their length of stay in the program, savings while in the program, whether they move into sustainable housing upon graduation and whether they remain in housing while in Aftercare. Clare House currently has clients completing both a move-in and move-out survey for participant feedback. 

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Just imagine what we can accomplish with the help of our community!

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"My time at Clare House was truly life-changing, and I will always be grateful for the support my child and I received through the program. Clare House provided us with more than just a safe place to live—it gave us stability, and the opportunity to build a better future. During one of the most difficult times in my life, the staff offered unwavering support, encouragement, and guidance that helped me regain confidence and move forward.

The Clare House program gave me the tools and resources I needed to become independent and succeed as a single mother. It helped me leave an unhealthy situation, build financial stability, and create a strong foundation for my family. I truly would not be where I am today without Clare House, and I will always be thankful for the life-changing impact the program has had on our lives."

- Dana A.

 “Prior to moving to Clare House, I had no support system. I needed support to heal while becoming the best mom I could be and provide my children with a “normal life”. Clare House provided my family with resources for school supplies, winter coats, and Christmas gifts, which made me feel supported and cared for. My case manager and I created a budget (that I still follow), and I improved my credit score by over 90 points before leaving Clare House! I created a savings account for myself and for my children. I now have a new reliable car due to the involvement of Clare House. I am looking to buy a house by the end of 2026. This is the most stable, happiest, loving and caring person I ever had the ability to be.”

- M.T.

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The Need

The women and children who come to Clare House do so out of necessity. It is common for residents to have experienced domestic violence or other forms of trauma. For many, the moment before entering Clare House is one of the lowest points of their lives. It's our job to help them grow forward from despair to sustained success.

How We Help

We provide housing and support while residents save money, achieve gainful employment, and find housing. Our aftercare program offers continued support after leaving Clare House, including job counseling and service coordination.