We believe dignity and value are the keys to helping women move forward. While women and their children are here, they can expect everyone at Clare House to treat them with respect, regardless of who they are or where they came from. We believe in our residents’ success – and we’ll provide the tools and opportunities to make it happen.

Clare House transforms the lives of women and their children through an employment-focused program, providing safety, housing, and supportive services with the goal of financial stability.

Our vision is a community where all women and their children are empowered to build a stable foundation.

Clare House - Grow Forward 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 through an employment-focused program, providing safety, housing, and supportive services with the goal of financial stability.

Vision: We envision a community where all women and their children are empowered to build a stable foundation.

This year, we hope to raise $100,000 to help us Grow Forward as we prepare a new facility in Lancaster that will house up to 10 families!

For six years, Clare House has been searching for a new facility to better meet community needs, and we have finally found it!

Because demand has increased drastically, our waitlist has become very long - sometimes exceeding 50 applicants. Through this year's ExtraGive we are seeking funding to support our critical work while beginning fundraising for the renovation of a former boarding house.

Project Goals

In a typical year, Clare House serves 15 families and 35 individuals. Our goal is to serve more families by cutting waitlist time. We will expand our services by accepting larger families (with more than 3 children) and making at least a portion of our new facility ADA-compliant.

The new building will serve as Clare House headquarters, holding office space, workshop space for families, a playroom for children, and laundry facilities. Most excitingly, every room will include a kitchenette with sink, cabinetry, refrigerator, and range oven. Most rooms are large enough for a sitting area for Moms & Kids to relax together.

The building will be named Sally Lawrence House after the donor who made this property purchase possible. Sally Lawrence dedicated her life to helping others and was a pioneer in medical and teaching fields who left her legacy with the gift of her estate to Clare House.

Project Impact

100% of our clients are low- and moderate-income individuals and families (LMI) as defined by HUD. All are single women and mothers with children who are currently - or at risk of - experiencing homelessness. We currently serve seven women at a time in our main transitional housing program, plus continued aftercare services.

For each mother we help, we are creating an opportunity for her children to build generational wealth.

Based on Fiscal Year 2022-2023 data: 100% of current Aftercare Clients have remained housed for one year or more, the average income increase upon successful graduation was $19,965, and for the first time, a resident purchased their own home while in the program. Clare House served 15 families and 35 individuals within the year.

Just imagine what we can accomplish serving more families at one time!

We extend heartfelt gratitude to: Brittany Garner, owner of Life Changes Realty Group, The Lancaster County Corvette Club, Community First Fund of Lancaster, and Smucker & Son's.

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.