Homeless & Pregnant: Finding Emergency or Transitional Housing

October 10, 2021
A woman and child are holding a red heart in front of a house.

Homeless & Pregnant. Katie was a young woman who worked hard in school and work, attended church regularly, and had big plans for her life. She did not plan on becoming pregnant. The news shocked her family, who insisted that she leave their home immediately. 


What could Katie do? What would you do if you were faced with a crisis situation in your life that brought you to homelessness? 


First of all it’s important to understand the difference between “emergency” or “crisis” housing, and “transitional housing.” Emergency housing, sometimes called crisis housing, includes shelters and other resources for those who find themselves in need of immediate, temporary assistance until a more permanent solution can be found. These organizations often supply residents with basic needs like food, shelter, and emotional support. Once the basic needs are met, then residents can start looking for work and for better housing opportunities. 


Transitional housing is a great next step after emergency or crisis housing. Transitional housing often helps people who are ready to make changes in their lives to become self-sufficient. Mentoring and accountability help the residents in transitional housing to make the leap into a self-sufficient and responsible life, while maintaining the emotional support and friendship needed to flourish. Many transitional housing facilities accept or even focus on women in difficult pregnancy situations, so it’s important to learn what’s available in your community.


In Katie’s case, she contacted a friend who provided emergency housing for her, and then Katie contacted the Valley LIGHT Foundation in her hometown of Winchester to become a guest in Valley LIGHT’s women’s transitional home. Katie and her unborn child are safe and cared for, and well on their way to a self-sufficient life.


If you find yourself facing homelessness, or are in danger of losing your current housing accommodations due to an unplanned pregnancy or other life events, there is help available. Please see the list below for agencies in AbbaCare’s service areas of Winchester, VA and Martinsburg, WV as well as national resources to find help in other areas.


Emergency/Crisis Housing in Winchester, VA:


The Laurel Center (for domestic/sexual violence)

The Laurel Center

540-667-6466


Winchester Rescue Mission 

Home | WinRescue

540-667-5379


WATTS (Winchester Area Temporary Thermal Shelter – open Nov 6 – March 26)

WATTS | Winchester Area Temporary Thermal Shelter (watts-homelessshelter.org)

540-327-5431


Transitional Housing in Winchester, VA:


New Eve Maternity Home (for pregnant women)

New Eve Maternity Home: Winchester, VA Maternity Home

540-450-0775


Valley LIGHT Foundation Home for Women 

Valley-LIGHT Foundation

703-727-4234


For assistance in permanent housing in Winchester, VA:


Faith Works 

Home (faithworksinc.org)

540-313-7682


Centralized Housing Intake

Home – Western Virginia Continuum of Care VA-513 (continuumofcare513.com)

540-271-1701


Emergency/Crisis Housing in Martinsburg, WV: 


Martinsburg Union Rescue Mission

Martinsburg Union Rescue Mission

608 W. King St, Martinsburg, WV – 25401

304-263-6901


Transitional Housing in Martinsburg, WV: 


Bethany House – women and children

Bethany House (communitynetworksinc.org)

304-263-3510


For Housing Assistance Nationwide:


Salvation Army

The Salvation Army USA


City Gate Network – Gospel Rescue Missions

Citygate Network – Home


AbbaCare is a pregnancy resource center serving women and families facing pregnancies that are unexpected or unexpectedly difficult. To learn more about our free, confidential services, visit abbacare.org.

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