History - In 1968, social worker Rose Mary Badami founded Magnificat Houses in response to the abrupt closure of most state-supported mental institutions, which seriously increased the number of homeless individuals on Houston streets. Rose Mary raised money privately to purchase a modest house in a depressed Midtown neighborhood, recruited volunteers to rehab it to code, then invited vulnerable, street-bound women to live and work together in community, be mutually supportive and share common goals. The pilot home thrived and became Magnificat Houses, Inc. as homes were added for a current total of 15 properties.

The Issue - According to the 2022 Coalition for the Homeless count, there were 3,223 Houstonian’s living on the streets on any given night, in part, due to COVID and current world economic challenges that directly impact the capacity of individuals to pay their rent and have nourishing food.

Most of the housing properties owned by MHI have significantly deteriorated over the last 50+ years, resulting in several properties going offline, forcing occupants to resume life on the streets. Repairs and interior improvements are a challenge due to consistent occupancies and the increasing cost of minor to major repairs.

Impact - In 2022, Magnificat Houses, Inc. sheltered 576 homeless people in emergency and 90-day program housing for 32,483 nights, a 2.4% increase over 2021 (31,734). MHI guests and residents are supported with an array of wraparound programs including health and social services, pastoral care, counseling and exit planning from MHI housing with case workers and family members. Additionally, 453 people seeking employment were assisted by housing staff to identify skills, create resumes, and prepare for job searches and interviews.

In Summer 2024, construction will be complete and the 149-unit building called RoseMary's Place will open its’ doors to Houston's homeless population. We are delighted to welcome the 149 newcomers into our community of supportive families, to our empowering programs, to our gatherings and celebration, where friendships can be formed, and acceptance is inevitable.

Solution - In August, 2023 MHI launched a Matching Grant Campaign to support critical property repairs on all housing properties and support buildings such as Loaves and Fishes, Moran Center, St. Joseph Clubhouse, and Anawim Thrift Store. A special distribution to match the donations for the special Rosemary Badami Birthday celebration.

Contact - Maureen Sanders, Interim Executive Director | msanders@mhihouston.org | (281) 417-3324