The Haven of Grace is at the heart of providing shelter, stability and a path forward for women.
Our Mission
Serving women who are pregnant and unhoused, The Haven of Grace provides a safe, nurturing home, educational programs, and long-term support for mother and child. Founded in faith, we instill hope, dignity, and the pride of independence, one family at a time.
About The Haven of Grace
The Haven of Grace is a supportive maternity home for young, unhoused, pregnant women ages 18 and over, and their children, helping them transition from homelessness to stable independence. Founded more than three decades ago in response to a dire lack of services for this vulnerable population, The Haven of Grace is now at the heart of regional efforts to provide shelter, stability, and a path forward for some of the most at-risk families in St. Louis. Our work is rooted in the understanding that homelessness—especially during pregnancy—has devastating impacts on maternal health and child development. The women we serve often come from generations of poverty and trauma, many without a high school diploma, work history, or familial support. The consequences of unhousedness ripple across a lifetime, particularly for children, who are more likely to suffer from developmental delays, emotional challenges, and chronic health conditions.
We Value:
Integrity & Trust
We deal honestly in all situations and ensure an environment of confidentiality where safety and basic needs are provided.
Compassion & Respect
We show kindness, concern, and support for all by appreciating self, others, and property.
Accountability & Responsibility
We expect those who serve and those who are served to honor their commitments.
Dignity & Diversity
We honor the worthiness of every individual by accepting differences without prejudice or partiality.
Spirituality & Service
We believe in the intrinsic value of a life of faith, the peace of God’s influence in our lives, and the personal satisfaction of a life of service and generosity toward others.
Industriousness & Excellence
We encourage a strong work ethic and high standards by all who serve and are served.
We offer a maternity shelter, housing, therapy, and financial assistance to create a plan for independence.
We provide a safe, nurturing home, educational programs, and long-term support for mother and child. Become a part of their success.
Your donations help families begin a new path – leading to independence, stability, and self-sufficiency.
History of The Haven of Grace
The Haven of Grace was established as an outreach ministry of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church of Ladue, Missouri, in hopes of breaking the cycle of homelessness, poor health, dependency, and child and adult abuse.
In 1986, based on an assessment of the most pressing community needs, the St. Peter’s Outreach Committee sought the help of Grace Hill Settlement House in St. Louis to begin planning for an inner-city residential facility that would provide shelter and support to young, pregnant women. An existing building 1133 Benton, formerly housed by Grace Hill’s Neighborhood Health Center, was targeted for the mission. After two years of planning by the St. Peter’s group and reconstruction of the Benton building by Grace Hill with the financial support of St. Peter’s and the Junior League of St. Louis, the doors of The Haven of Grace opened in October 1988.
By 1994, demand for the agency’s services had expanded rapidly, and the need to provide shelter not only for young pregnant women, but for young, pregnant mothers with small children began to emerge. Volunteers from a variety of denominations became involved with the young mothers served by The Haven of Grace, a welcome addition by the board of directors; thus, The Haven of Grace became an ecumenical ministry, shifting from exclusive support by St. Peter’s to a broader base of community-wide support. As community support of The Haven of Grace’s mission continued, the agency grew independent of Grace Hill and began preparing for a facility of its own.
In 1998, The Haven of Grace established its unique Ten-Year Aftercare Program in response to the need of former residents for an on-going “family support system” and assistance in the community as they worked to achieve their independence goals.
In 2003, The Haven of Grace completed its first capital campaign and moved to a newly constructed facility located in the same neighborhood as its original location. In addition to expanding its capacity to providing shelter for up to ten young mothers and their children at a time, the new shelter added a library and playroom for children, computer lab, classroom, interior playground and courtyard, teaching kitchen and common areas for residents to enjoy the nurturing, family-like atmosphere afforded by The Haven of Grace.
In 2008, The Haven of Grace completed a second capital campaign and built The Quadrangle Apartments, known as our Transitional Housing, is an eight-unit transitional apartment complex for graduates of the Residential Program who need more time before establishing themselves fully in the community.
In 2024, we introduced Project Inspire, this program strengthens the whole family, honoring mothers as the leaders of their households.
We are thankful for our Partners
Saint Louis Community Credit Union
Affinia Healthcare
Equal Shares Parenting
Community Health Commission of Missouri
Safe Stays
Grow Well Missouri University of Missouri, St. Louis
United Healthcare
Green Beret Youth Initiative
Divine Daughters
United Healthcare
YMCA
Parents as Teachers
FUTRA
Alberici
Bellwether Foundation
BJC Foundation
BJC Healthcare
Blues for Kids
Bonhomme Presbyterian
Brown Sisters Foundation
Cardinals Care Foundation
Cass Bank
Deaconess Foundation
Enterprise Mobility Foundation
Greater St. Louis Bookfair
Hermann Foundation
Incarnate Word Foundation
John Tally Foundation
Kaufman Foundation
Lichtenstein Foundation
The Light Foundation
Grant Partners
Mississippi Lime Company
Norman J. Stupp Foundation
Old Newsboys
Orthwein Foundation
Pott Foundation
Respect Life Apostolate
RGA – Reinsurance Group of America
R.G. Ross Construction, Co.
St. Louis Philanthropic Organization
St. Louis Service Bureau
Steward Family Foundation
Tracy Family Foundation
Trio Foundation
United Way Targeted Fund
Vatterott Foundation
The Women’s Foundation of Greater St. Louis
Your gift builds hope.
The Haven of Grace gladly accepts donations of new baby items and other basic supplies commonly used by the young mothers, preschoolers, toddlers, and infants residing in our Maternity Shelter.