Mercy House and the City of Ontario Announce the Grand Opening of Assisi House to Provide Transitional Housing and Services for the Homeless

Mercy House, one of Southern California's premier advocates of the homeless, providing a unique system of dignified housing alternatives, programs, and supportive services, today announced the opening of Assisi House, in partnership with the City of Ontario, Calif. The grand opening will be held today at the Assisi House facility located at 517 Virginia Street at 12:00 p.m.

Ontario, CA (PRWEB) April 18, 2007 -- Mercy House, one of Southern California's premier advocates of the homeless, providing a unique system of dignified housing alternatives, programs, and supportive services, today announced the opening of Assisi House, in partnership with the City of Ontario, Calif. The grand opening will be held today at the Assisi House facility located at 517 Virginia Street at 12:00 p.m.

"We are honored to expand what has become a truly rewarding partnership with the City of Ontario," said Mercy House Executive Director Larry Haynes. "We are working together to provide a viable way to avert the systemic spread of homelessness in Ontario through our joint efforts in the establishment of the Guadalupe Residence, and now with the Assisi House. Ontario is a caring and progressive community with the well-being of its citizens at heart."

Assisi House will provide nine apartments as transitional housing units for homeless individuals (single men, single women, and single mothers and their children). Each resident will work with a program manager, and attend mandatory case management meetings in order to save enough money to transition into permanent housing. The focus will be on setting individual goals in the areas of health, finances, life skills and housing; with the aim of transitioning into permanent, affordable housing.

The Mercy House staff is trained to work with individuals to help them address the root causes of their homelessness. Their approach is unique because it employs a continuum of care, where programs are connected to other programs and services that work to advance each participant towards self-sufficiency.

In 2006, Mercy House opened the Guadalupe Residence, providing permanent, affordable housing for low-income individuals, couples and families in Ontario. The Guadalupe Residence offers 14 four bedroom units, which are permanent residences for the formerly homeless. Residents also receive on-site aftercare services designed to help maintain a level of self-sufficiency.

Mayor Paul Leon stated, "The City of Ontario is working proactively to provide services to Ontario's homeless population. We are fortunate to have a dedicated partner in Mercy House with the experience and understanding to help us create the essential housing and coordinated social services programs required to support our citizens in need."

The Assisi House residents will participate in programs including:

-   The Wellness Program -To improve residents' mental and physical health and maintain sobriety through the development of individualized program plans, and monitoring their goals related to their program plan.

-   The Planning for Success Program - To improve residents' material and financial self-sufficiency by assessing their financial needs, monitoring financial goals, assessing employment needs, and monitoring goals for an individualized program plan.

-   The Learning Matters Program - To improve the residents' quality of life through increased knowledge and modified behavior by providing supportive services in the area of life skills. Mercy House staff can determine topics of interest (i.e., self-esteem, parenting), develop monthly workshops and social events, and monitor attendance at such events.

In addition, Mercy House has third project on the horizon for the city, Mercy House Center Ontario. The new emergency service center and emergency shelter will be built in partnership with the City of Ontario, John Laing Homes, KTGY Architects and Home Aid. This project is targeted to break ground in late 2007.

About Mercy House
Santa Ana, California-based Mercy House is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that provides housing and comprehensive supportive services for a variety of homeless populations including families, adult men and women, mothers and their children, persons living with HIV/AIDS, individuals overcoming substance addictions, and the physically and mentally disabled. Founded in 1988 by Father Jerome T. Karcher, Mercy House has established Mercy House Center, as well as transitional living facilities including St. Joseph House, Regina House and Emmanuel House. In 2005, Mercy House offered permanent affordable housing for the first time by opening the San Miguel Residence. Mercy House has expanded its services to open three facilities in Ontario, California. Guadalupe Residence provides 15 four-bedroom apartments for permanent affordable housing. Assisi House will provide nine apartments as transitional housing units. Mercy House Center Ontario will be built to provide emergency services and beds. Visit www.mercyhouse.net.

###