• Siena House was founded by community members led by Wayne Shaffer who saw a need for safe housing for pregnant women experiencing homelessness. Holy Cross was looking for a tenant for their former convent just as plans were forming to create Siena House and since Wayne was a parishioner, he was able to make the connection. The timing was perfect and Siena House found a home.

    Our board has members from diverse backgrounds (including several who have themselves experienced homelessness) and we are an inclusive organization that serves women regardless of their background or religious affiliation. 

    Our residents have made the decision to become mothers and we are respectful of their individuality, with our focus on empowering them and providing a supportive environment during their pregnancy and babies’ first year of life. 

  • No. Although we rent our building from Holy Cross, we have no affiliation with the church and are not funded by the church.

  • Really. The building we rent was a former convent, hence the cross. We are very fortunate to rent our building from Holy Cross at a below market rate — and it’s a space that sets up perfectly for our needs.

    The nuns that used to live here helped to found Dominican Hospital and we feel they’d be pleased to see how their former home is being utilized today.

  • No. While several of our founding members were Holy Cross parishioners who had a deeply personal religious outlook, Siena House was formed and continues to be a 501c3 non-profit organization.

  • We do not get involved in politics. Our residents have made the decision to become mothers and we are here to support them and help them become the best parents possible.

  • Donors can decide how their funds are allocated should you choose to gift to Siena House, however we strongly encourage funds to be allocated for General Operating costs. This allows us to use funding where it is most meaningful to the organization, whether that is hiring staff, providing essential services and products to our residents or keeping the lights and heat on! The mothers and babies who reside at Siena House have staff on site 24/7 to ensure that they are safe and that their needs are being met.

  • No. Siena House is in no way affiliated with any religious organization.

  • No. Our programming and classes are run by vetted and experienced volunteers (for example our on-site therapist) and partner organizations such as the Nurse-Family Partnership. Siena House is committed to a strengths based, research driven approach to education and care for our residents.

  • No. Siena House is a residential program housing new mothers and mothers-to-be in need who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecure. Siena House applicants and residents have decided to become mothers. Siena House does not advise, encourage, discourage or in any way coach residents on the decision to become a mother.

  • Absolutely! You are free to practice your religion as you see fit.

  • Not at all. We respect our resident’s individual choices.