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 abuse among the vulnerable population of young, pregnant mothers in the City of St. Louis. What began as a volunteer-driven act of faith has grown into one of the region's most trusted and distinctive maternity shelters — one marked by long-term commitment, unconditional care, and a deep belief in the potential of every mother and child who walks through our doors.
Our History
1986
Founded
St. Peter's Episcopal Church of Ladue, Missouri establishes The Haven of Grace as an outreach ministry. The St. Peter's Outreach Committee partners with Grace Hill Settlement House in North St. Louis City to assess community need and begin planning for an inner-city housing facility for young, expectant mothers experiencing homelessness. An existing building at 1133 Benton Street, formerly home to Grace Hill's Neighborhood Health Center, is identified as the site.
1988
Doors Open
In October 1988, The Haven of Grace opens its doors. Primarily a volunteer-driven initiative, The Haven provides food, shelter, and supportive services to pregnant mothers ages 16–24 and their infants. Demand grows rapidly, drawing increasing community involvement and support.
1991-1992
Incorporation & 501(c)(3) Status
The Haven is incorporated by the State of Missouri in 1991 and receives federal IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in 1992, formalizing its standing as an independent charitable organization.
1994
Expanding the Mission
Growing need emerges to serve not only first-time expectant mothers, but also mothers who already have small children. Plans for an expanded facility take shape, and The Haven transitions from an exclusive ministry of St. Peter's Church to an independent, private charity supported by the broader community.
1998
Ten-Year Aftercare Program
The Haven establishes its signature Ten-Year Aftercare Program, a long-term commitment to help former residents avoid a return to homelessness after leaving the shelter. Services include case management, home visits, rent and utility assistance, security deposit assistance, child care stipends, transportation assistance, home repair assistance, college scholarships, micro-loans, and donations of clothing, furniture, and household items.
New Facility Opens
2003
The Haven completes its first capital campaign and moves to a newly constructed facility in the same neighborhood as its original location. Occupancy capacity grows from eight expectant mothers to ten young mothers and up to fifteen of their children at one time. The new building adds a library and playroom, computer lab, classroom, interior courtyard, teaching kitchen, and welcoming common areas. Case management and weekly life skills classes are formally added to the continuum of care.
The QuadrangleTransitional Apartments
2008
The Haven completes a second capital campaign and constructs The Quadrangle — an eight-unit transitional apartment complex providing up to two years of stable housing for young mothers leaving the Maternity Shelter who have developed the skills to live independently but need additional time to achieve financial stability in the community.
2022
Trauma-Informed Care
The Haven of Grace begins an intentional shift in service delivery that more fully recognizes the effects of generational trauma, prioritizing the mental and emotional health of both mothers and children. The Haven commits to becoming a trauma-informed service provider and expanding services to address the overlapping challenges faced by families experiencing homelessness, poverty, discrimination, and generations of trauma.
2023
Expanding Support & Clinical Services
The Haven of Grace purchases a campus vehicle to help meet the transportation needs of families. Clinical interventions for children on campus are introduced, expanding support beyond the services mothers receive and deepening the organization's commitment to whole-family care.
Children’s Initiatives, Drop-In Center & Project Inspire
2024-2025
The Haven of Grace expands its commitment to family well-being through a series of transformational initiatives. Baby, Books, and Bonding is introduced for infants and toddlers, fostering bonding, structure, and early literacy between mother and child. The Green Beret Youth Initiative is established for children ages 8–14, building leadership, confidence, and physical health through mentorship and skill-building. The Inca Walker Drop-In Center opens to meet the urgent needs of women who do not qualify for residential programs but require immediate support — providing food, showers, clothing, baby items, and short-term case management, extending The Haven's reach to families at critical moments. These efforts complement Project Inspire, which evolves from the former aftercare program into a layered, long-term support system beginning the moment a family arrives on campus. Project Inspire focuses on healing, connection, financial literacy, and career readiness for mothers, while offering developmental, educational, and wellness programs for children — ensuring every mother and child has the tools to sustain stability and thrive well beyond their time in residence.
2026
40th Anniversary
The Haven of Grace marks forty years of transformational service to young mothers and children in the City of St. Louis, forty years of shelter, hope, and long-term care that has broken cycles of homelessness, poor health, dependency, and abuse across generations.
The Haven of Grace is proud to enter its 40th year of service in 2026. We are grateful to every volunteer, donor, partner, staff member, board member, and resident who has been part of this story, and we look forward to the chapters yet to come.