About Micah House

STRIVING FOR INDEPENDENCE

Micah House serves as a safe place and springboard for women eager to make the transition to productive, stable, independent lives.  Micah House differs from many transitional homes in placing responsibility for success directly on the women themselves. While 24-hour aid is available if needed, the women live and work without resident supervision. In this way, those genuinely invested in recovery can make the move to self-sufficiency, while benefiting from mutual support in this family-style setting.

The typical length of stay at Micah House is two years. Residents pay a modest rent and—through a savings incentive program—are encourage to prepare for their next move into a rented apartment or their own home.

FROM 1989 TO THE FUTURE

Micah House was incorporated as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1989.  Founded by members of Temple Micah in Washington, D.C., it began as part of a District-wide movement, called “One Congregation – One Home,” to encourage religious organizations to help tackle some of the District’s gravest social issues. Another inspiration for establishing Micah House is the Jewish teaching tikkun olam, repair of the world. While the area movement did not become as widespread as leaders had hoped, Micah House, a nonsectarian transitional group home, has survived and thrived.

Micah House welcomed its first residents to a rented house in the Petworth neighborhood in 1990.  In 2003,  Micah House residents moved into a newly renovated, conveniently located house in Petworth, purchased by Micah House, Inc. This beautiful home comfortably accommodates five women.

Since  Micah House opened its doors, about 50 women have lived under its roof which working to become independent. Although not all women at Micah House succeed in making the move to independent lives, most do.  As more and more women become proud graduates, they serve as role models to residents ready to change.

 "If every congregation in the city established a home, the homeless problem would be address." --Rev. John Steinbruck, Luther Memorial Church, Washington, D.C.