Pratt House

Address: 1701 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21223

Phone: (410) 362-5657

Fax: (410) 362-6058

Hours of Operation: Administrative Offices are open Monday –Friday 9:00AM-5:00PM

Program Description
Pratt House is a permanent housing program that provides supportive services to low income families that were homeless or facing homelessness at one time. Supportive Services are provided to improve the quality of life for the residents. To assist the families towards self-sufficiency referrals are made to partnering, local agencies and organizations within the community. Residents who require additional support and meet the required psychiatric criteria may participate in the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program (PRP). In addition to service plans and individual counseling a number of both recreational and educational groups are provided to assist residents with achieving their goals.

Facility Description
Pratt House is a 35 unit facility with 28 two bedroom apartments & 7 three bedroom apartments for families with children. There is an on-site laundry room, community room for program activities and meetings as well as a computer lab.

Persons Served
Low income families with children:

Eligibility criteria include:

  1. Resident must be on the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) waiting list.
  2. Must pass a credit and background check by HABC and Property Management.
  3. Complete income and tax credit certification annually with Property Management.

Services Provided
Our services and activities include but are not limited to: resume writing, financial literacy groups, parenting/family strengthening classes, women's health programs, cooking and nutrition classes, yoga classes, church/bible study, summer food program (youth), afterschool/homework club and in house therapy for both individuals and families not participating in PRP. Residents are assisted and referred for healthcare benefits, GED classes, vocational training, substance abuse and mental health treatment.

Staffing Pattern
Program Director, Community Support Counselor, Property Manager and Property Management Staff

History
The VOA Pratt Street Housing Program, opening in January of 2002, was designed to provide thirty-five, furnished, two and three-bedroom apartment units for homeless families. Each unit has been approved for project-based Section 8 funding by the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC). The program was designed to provide housing and supportive services to families that meet the acceptance criteria. Applicants do not have to be on the Section 8 waiting list to apply for residency in the program. The VOA Pratt House is a Housing First program.

Program Highlights
In 2016, we have more than doubled the number of individuals we were able to successfully move into permanent housing from last year (44 individuals - 2015, 89 individuals – 2016).

This year we show outstanding numbers as it relates to our additional performance measures. These additional measures (achieving ISP goals, obtaining/participating in public activities and obtaining permanent housing) showcase the core components of our program and its overall effectiveness at reducing homelessness. Residents are leaving our program with a sense of accomplishment, community belonging, and pride as a result of their participation.

For more information about the program please contact Christine Strohecker, Program Director at (410) 362-5657 or via email at cstrohecker@voaches.org.