Naomi's House

SHELTER: Open 24 hours. Other services for women in program, but will help others find resources for needs.
Naomi's House
Naomis House is a gentle haven of healing for homeless women. It is the only safe haven for single, homeless women in the Fresno County. It started in 2002 by a group of concerned community members who observed numerous homeless women on the streets of Fresno. Naomis House is a 24-bed overnight shelter for single, homeless women. It provides basic necessities such as showers, clothing, meals and medical and/or dental care.

Each woman is served with dignity and respect. Clients can participate in case management services to assist them in finding housing, accessing mental health services and assisting them in making positive life choices to achieve self-sufficiency. Classes provided are: Peer counseling, life skills, agency referrals, health education, 12-step class, 12-step support group and self-esteem class.

Naomis House is supported through a Housing and Urban Development Grant (HUD), however Poverello House provides a cash match, security and any additional funding the program may require.

Women wishing to access Naomis House services are through self or local agency referral. To access services your must be a homeless, single female, over 18 years old, and have the ability to care for yourself.

Women sign in nightly Monday through Friday at 4:30 p.m. and weekends and holidays at 12:45 p.m. There is no limit on nights of stay; a woman may access services as long as she chooses to do so.


Village of Hope

The Village of Hope was established in 2004 in response to the increased number of homeless encampments in the City of Fresno.

Helping a person end the cycle of homelessness is complicated and requires many different approaches. Many of the homeless population suffer from severe mental illness and substance abuse issues. Many homeless have experienced both physical and mental trauma from living on the streets. Some of them lack any form of identification and are in need of substance abuse treatment and mental health counseling. Often times, even though they desire a home, they are not in a position to maintain housing.

The Village provides a unique opportunity for the homeless to sleep off the streets and live in a community-type environment. The structures they live in are simple "Tuff Shed"-like shelters. While in the Village there are is three simple rules, "take care of yourself, take care of others, and take care of this place." The residents provide their own security and clean-up crew. Clients are not allowed to possess alcohol or drugs while living in the Village. The Client Services Coordinator, who oversees the Village, provides the occupants access to education, life-skill training, substance abuse counseling and mental health referrals. The shelter provided by Poverello House is the bridge between homelessness and housing that our clients need to be successful in securing permanent housing. The Village of Hope is open Monday - Friday from 4 p.m. - 7 a.m. and weekends and holidays from noon - 9 a.m.

Clothing, Showers and Laundry

CLOTHING is distributed every Tuesday from 1 2 p.m. ID is required to receive clothing. Tickets for the first 40 clients are given out at 11 a.m. in front of the clothing warehouse. Clothing is also provided on an as-needed basis.

SHOWERS are for men only Sunday through Friday from 7 11 a.m. Women can shower at the Holy Cross Center for Women and Children or Naomis House. Emergency showers are also available on an as-needed basis.

LAUNDRY is for the first five people in line Monday through Friday; Clients must drop off laundry at 6:15 a.m.