For over four decades, Providence House has been a beacon of hope in Brooklyn, offering vital assistance to women and families facing homelessness. Once a haven of affordable housing, Brooklyn is undergoing a transformation—one that comes with a hefty price tag. As gentrification spreads across the borough, soaring rents and property values are pushing out long-time residents and making it increasingly difficult for young families to attain housing stability. In the shadow of its iconic brownstones and trendy cafes lives a growing number of parents who find themselves teetering on the brink of homelessness, struggling to provide stability and security for their families. As Mother's Day approaches, it is essential to shine a light on their plight, to acknowledge the uphill battle they face in a borough that is rapidly becoming unrecognizable to those who once called it home.
Providence House serves over 90 mothers per year across their nine housing programs. As a Child Development Coordinator for its largest site, Azia Johnson plays a key role in ensuring families can succeed. According to Johnson, “it’s about creating that sense of community—a sense of belonging. By providing opportunities for families to build relationships with our staff and each other, we create a real community here where people look out for one another and lean on each other for support.”
By design, Providence House keeps its housing programs on the small side. This small scale allows for intimate connections that enable staff to create foundational change. One mother, a recent arrival who came to the U.S. seeking asylum, entered the program with three children and a desire for a better life. Despite facing significant obstacles, including bureaucratic hurdles, she remained determined to build a stable future for her family. It took Providence House staff two years of persistence, but they finally secured her working papers and enrolled her in training to become a home health aide. After completing the course, she found employment and is now preparing to move into her own apartment with her three children.
As we honor mothers on their special day, it is important to remember those facing the harsh realities of homelessness. We must stand together in support of these mothers, offering not just words of encouragement but concrete assistance to help them navigate the challenges ahead.
Richard Klein, is the director of development at Providence House, a Brooklyn nonprofit that proves transitional housing and related programs.
