(Editor’s note: today’s article is from the chairman of the board of a new venture sponsored by Hebron Church.—eeb)
By Becky Turner
DACULA, Ga. | The Haven at Hebron began out of a desire for Hebron Church to actively live out the Gospel. If the church’s desire is to give every unborn child life, what would that look like in reality? With that desire in mind, a team assembled and began researching current options for some of our most vulnerable population — single, young (21 and under) women who are pregnant and homeless.
Turner
As research soon confirmed, there is a vast need for housing for these women. Currently, the only other licensed, maternity home in Georgia is in Savannah. Community organizations have no place to send young pregnant women who need housing in the Metro Atlanta area. While this is a niche need, it is a big need, and also fits within Gwinnett’s focus on solving homelessness in general.
Dr. Landon Dowden, senior pastor of Hebron Church, says: All that God entrusts to Hebron we pray to steward well for the good of our community and the glory of God. The Haven is an opportunity to demonstrate this conviction. For the most vulnerable who have nowhere else to go, we want them to know they can have a home with us.”
According to the Voices for Youth Count, an organization that tracks youth homelessness, more than 40 percent of 18–25-year-old women who have experienced homelessness in the past year are either pregnant or already a parent. Article 223915460 at macon.com revealed that “the unstable living conditions that accompany homelessness can pose health risks for pregnant women and their children, especially in a state like Georgia.” Our state consistently falls to the bottom of national rankings for maternal and infant health care for its high mortality rates and shortage of providers, especially outside of major metropolitan areas.
There are no geographic boundaries for those who will be considered for housing at The Haven. The site will serve the entire state of Georgia, with the desire to meet the needs of our most vulnerable population.
The Haven at Hebron has the following program objectives:
- The Haven will provide housing for up to eight pregnant women 21 and under throughout their pregnancy and up to eight weeks postpartum, all within the guidelines of the State of Georgia to serve minors. Live-in house parents will operate the home, ensuring the safety and well-being of the occupants.
- The Haven will provide opportunities for higher education, life skills training, dietary and nutritional training, financial planning, referrals, and pregnancy/parenting classes, all under the supervision of a Program Manager and in collaboration with a team of counselors, staff, and volunteers.
- The Haven will provide healthcare including prenatal care, well-care check-ups, and dental care.
By providing these services to our most vulnerable population, pregnant women 21 years old and under, The Haven will empower them to move from a state of homelessness to a safe housing environment, from a lack of education to education, from a lack of medical care to full medical care.
The Haven will consist of a 7,000 square building, just west of the church on Fence Road. Kelly Scott of SCA Services of Atlanta is the contractor for the facility.
Construction has begun. The forecast opening date is late summer 2023!
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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