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This Best Practice is one of
the Best Practices for Human Settlements presented in the MOST Clearing House Best Practices Database. |
|
This Best Practice is one of
the Best Practices for Human Settlements presented in the MOST Clearing House Best Practices Database. |
| Keywords: | Social Exclusion/Integration |
| Crime Prevention |
BackgroundMcAuley Village is a transitional 23 apartment facility founded in 1989 in response to the growing number of single parents who could neither house nor support themselves and their young children. The village provides sanitary and secure housing to single parents at 30% of their income; in turn residents pledge to abide by contracts which stipulate individual goals and objectives. Accompanying affordable housing are on-site day care facilities, mentoring and tutoring, and housing and employment services. NarrativeThe 23-apartment residence known as McAuley village addresses several major problems: homelessness, unemployment, domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse, and crime and security. The facility, with a staff of about 20, serves low-income, low-skilled single parents that are 20 years and older. It attempts to take poor single parents from a life of welfare dependence to one of independence. Although primarily a housing program, it also holistically addresses the many factors contributing to the vulnerability of these families, while attempting to tailor a solution to each family. Staff offer tutoring and support services to ease transition to school. English as a second language classes are offered. A library for children and their parents is provided. Visiting experts give talks on a volunteer basis on domestic violence, alcohol, and drug abuse as well as parenting, budgeting, and living skills. The village provides 24-hour security, coupled with curfews and sign-in sheets for all guests, providing a sense of security for residents. Named after Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, McAuley Village was initiated by Mrs. Dolores Crowley, through whose efforts the McAuley Corporation was formed. The corporation purchased and built on a site through a mix of public funding and private donations. The village has served approximately 80 families and 160 children since its inception in 1990. Impact
SustainabilityMcAuley Village has established itself as a model residential program for low-income single parents and their families. ContactMcCauley Village SponsorThe McAuley Corporation PartnersLocal government The Sisters of Mercy Local schools, trade institutes, colleges |
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