Second Story for Young Mothers
Second Story for Young Mothers is a Transitional Living Program that helps pregnant or parenting moms ages 16 to 24 attain safety, stability, and independence by assistance with housing, counseling, parenting supplies, and training. Eligibility for specific services depends on age.
Program Highlights
- Mothers ages 18 to 21 who are experiencing homelessness or unsafe living situations may be eligible for housing and case management support for up to 18 months.
- Mothers ages 16 to 24 may receive parenting supplies and resources, counseling, and attend group learning sessions.
- This program is not an emergency shelter. We have eligibility requirements and an application process.
- The program is located in Northern Virginia.
- Call 703.280.2162 or email the Program Manager to learn more or request an application (phones and emails are monitored Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET).
The issue:
A study by Chapin Hall from the University of Chicago reports that pregnant and parenting youth are 200% more at risk to experience homelessness. Many young mothers experiencing homelessness are fleeing a domestic violence situation and find themselves facing an impossible choice: leave their abusers and experience homelessness or stay in abusive situations with a place to live.
According to multiple studies, more than 80% of mothers with children experiencing homelessness had been in domestic violence situations. Additionally, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, every year 1.2 million children under six years old experience homelessness in the United States. When parents with children experience homelessness, the child suffers as well.
Our work:
Second Story for Young Mothers helps women ages 16 to 24 who are pregnant or have young children. Many are fleeing dangerous situations. We put an emphasis on parenting skills, financial literacy, education, job readiness, and basic self-sufficiency so young women will be able to support themselves and their children — breaking the cycle of poverty, abuse, or homelessness.
Young women ages 18 to 21 years old who are pregnant and parenting while experiencing homelessness or unsafe situations may be eligible to live independently in town homes for up to 18 months and receive comprehensive counseling and other services to help meet their basic needs and life skills support to help them on their road to independence.
Mothers ages 16 to 24 may be eligible to receive free counseling and support from the program, including help with budgeting, life skills, parenting education, nutrition, and employment, parenting supplies, and other assistance.
Who is eligible?
Pregnant and parenting young women experiencing homelessness or living in an unsafe situation may apply. Mothers ages 18 to 21 may be eligible to receive residential support if they agree to meet program expectations. We have an application and a waiting list. Mothers ages 16 to 24 can receive community-based support. All services are provided in and around Fairfax County, Virginia.
Our impact:
In fiscal year 2024, we served eight mothers and their 11 children residentially and an additional 126 mothers with other services. 100% exited the program to a safe situation.
With support, you’re able to really change someone’s life and make them realize that there’s so much to life outside of worrying about where your next meal is going to come from or if you’re going to be able to stay in your home for another year.
- Alexis, Second Story for Young Mothers
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