Founded over 40 years ago, Marian House provides housing, meals, and support services to women experiencing homelessness, incarceration, substance use disorder, domestic violence, and more. Marian House’s programs aim to improve self-esteem and overall mental health, establish sobriety, and teach skills that support emotional and economic independence. Clients receive referrals from a variety of sources, including the Office of the Public Defender, prison and jail staff, attorneys, advocacy organizations, treatment programs, and an ongoing Correctional Options Grant provided by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS). This agreement allows Marian House to provide long-term transitional reentry services to women under state supervision. During fiscal year 2023, Marian House received 18 referrals into its Transitional Housing Program, which the Abell Foundation has supported since the 1990s.
Marian House offers three levels of programming: transitional and rehabilitative programs for single women, independent living with a community structure for families, and programs focused on the transition to permanent housing. Every program level offers supplemental support services, including employment preparation and placement assistance, financial education, GED education, transportation for community services, and case management. Marian House’s model of integrated care delivers clients’ mental health and substance abuse treatment in tandem with these support services, allowing for efficient and connected treatment.
Of the 65 women who participated in Marian House’s Transitional Supportive Housing Program for Women and Children in 2023, 45% were actively justice-involved, and 74% struggled with a substance use disorder. Of the 20 participants who completed and exited the program, 95% completed with an increased income, 80% were employed at exit, and all were discharged into permanent housing.
Marian House is a program that a lot of women hope for. I was so glad to get in because I needed a stable place to go when I was released. Knowing that I have support and will continue to get support is something I haven’t had before. Getting my finances in order and getting a job were really important to me feeling empowered.”
– Joyce, Current Resident
An independent evaluation of Marian House’s transitional housing program completed in 2015 revealed remarkable success rates. People who completed the program were found to earn and be employed at twice the rate as non-completers. Moreover, the recidivism rate for all completers was just 12%, significantly lower than Maryland’s rate of 31.55%. These figures underscore the tangible difference Marian House is making in the lives of women in need.