We’re here to help
If you are homeless or living in an unsafe situation, you’ve come to the right place. At Catholic Worker House, we assist married couples, single women and single mothers in need of shelter, food, and help for a better tomorrow. We provide immediate assistance through our temporary, emergency shelter, as well as longer-term help with our extended housing.
Our guests receive shelter regardless of religion, ethnicity, age, or reason for homelessness. Along with shelter, we provide guests two meals each day as well as help in finding a job or housing. We connect you with community resources such as education, transportation, employment, child care, Department of Human Services, healthcare, and social services.
Who we help
If you are a single woman or a married couple, with or without children, you are eligible for housing with Catholic Worker House.
How to get started
Our check-in procedure starts with a call to Shelter Services at 319-366-7999, preferably between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. This is the first step in the process of getting into the shelter. If you are told to come to the Catholic Worker House to check in, you will need to do so by 2:00 p.m.so we have time to use laundry facilities before the current clients come in. If you work during these hours, please call Larissa at 319-362-9041 to make arrangements for an alternate arrival time.
Next steps
Once you are settled in, our house manager will meet with you every Monday. During this time we’ll work together to discuss goals, housing, employment, education, and tackle any problems that may arise together.
We’ll formulate a weekly plan so that life doesn’t seem so overwhelming. We’ll also make referrals for other agencies as needed. After you have been with us for more than a week and it’s determined we will not be able to secure housing without rental assistance then an assessment will be completed to help establish a plan for housing.
Your rights and responsibilities
As a guest of the Catholic Worker House, you are always informed of your rights and responsibilities.
Your rights include:
- Being treated kindly and respectfully by house personnel and other guests
- Having confidential treatment of your personal history and needs
- Having reasonable response to your requests
- Having the ability to share any concerns related to your safety, comfort, or well-being
Your responsibilities include:
- Complying with house rules
- Performing daily chores
- Abiding by curfew rules
- Actively seeking employment
While you are here, we attempt to provide the stepping stones to a better life. Once you have located a new residence, the Catholic Worker House staff will assist you with resources and food from our emergency pantry to get you started in your new home.
Community resources available to you
We are all lucky to call the Cedar Rapids community home. From clothing and childcare needs to transportation assistance and healthcare, you have an entire community behind you. We will connect you with the services you need to keep moving forward – and you are welcome to check out the local community services available to you as well.