URDC has developed a
transitional housing program, Casa Maria, for up to twelve (12)
homeless women, with histories of substance abuse, and and up to four
(4) children. Casa Maria is a large six
bedroom Victorian home in Northwest Pasadena. An array of services are
provided at Casa Maria, including, in addition to housing, case
management and
counseling, substance abuse couseling, living skills training,
assistance in obtaining
vocational and employment training services, assistance in securing
gainful employment and independent housing. The average length of stay
is approximately six months, ranging up to two years. Efforts are made
to help women reunify with their children. The
program began in July, 1999. It is funded by a HUD
(Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development) grant through the
City of Pasadena Housing Department. Additional funding for the
program has been received from the the Ahmanson Foundation, Pasadena
Community Foundation,
Ecumenical Council of Pasadena Area Churches (ECPAC) and Avery Dennison
Corporation, as well as individual donors.