To achieve the mission of a St. Louis where all young people have access to safe and stable housing, Opportunity House is guided by the following principles:
- Community involvement is key to solving homelessness. It is only through active and ongoing partnerships with the community that lasting solutions to the homelessness epidemic can be developed, implemented, and sustained.
- Housing is a right – not a privilege. The organization uses a low-barrier, housing first approach to service delivery. Housing must be provided to those in need, with minimal restriction.
- Traumatic experiences such as homelessness and sex trafficking impact the ability of individuals to maintain stability and engage in prosocial behaviors. Safety, security, and mental health care are essential to healing from these experiences.
Opportunity House supports Residents in achieving the following goals:
- Heal from the trauma of homelessness through placement in housing.
- Advance in educational pursuits.
- Become full participants in society through the attainment of a livable wage job which provides necessary benefits to ensure sustained wellbeing.
- Experience a reduction in the impact of trauma on overall wellbeing thereby reducing barriers to overall success and stabilization.
- Enhance the ability of parents to support the unique needs of their children.