ABOUT US
About Our House
A structured, referral-based transitional housing program for young women ages 18–24 in Genesee County, Michigan.
This is not a shelter — it is a home with expectations, accountability, and a clear path to independence.
Why Our House Exists
Our House was created to fill the gap between crisis housing and independent living.
Young women often leave systems like foster care, shelters, or unstable living situations without a safe next step.
They don’t need emergency housing — but they’re not ready to live fully on their own yet.We provide that next step.
A stable, structured home where residents can build consistency, responsibility, and momentum.
— Christopher Summers, Founder
Our Approach
Our approach is trauma-informed and rooted in consistency.
We recognize that many young women entering transitional housing have experienced instability or past trauma. Our environment prioritizes:
Safety
Predictability
Respect
Accountability
This structure allows residents to rebuild confidence, develop independence, and move forward with stability.
Small by Design
Our House intentionally serves a small number of residents at a time.
We are not a facility — we are a home.
A smaller setting allows for:
Stronger relationships
Daily oversight
Real accountability
A safer, more stable environment
A live-in House Manager is present daily to provide consistency that larger programs often cannot offer.
What We Do (And Don't Do)
We provide:
✅ Safe, stable transitional housing (6–24 months)
✅ A structured, accountable living environment
✅ Clear daily expectations and routines
✅ A supportive setting focused on independence
✅ Stability that allows residents to focus on progress
We do not provide:
❌ On-site case management
❌ Clinical or mental health services
❌ Medical care or supervision
❌ Employment placement
We work alongside case managers and service providers — not instead of them.
Residents must be connected to an external case manager or referring agency.
Why Partners Choose Our House
We are intentionally structured to complement — not replace — existing services.
Partner agencies trust Our House because we provide:
A safe, stable housing environment
Clear rules and consistent expectations
A small setting with close oversight
A program designed for residents who are ready for the next step
We strengthen the work of service providers by delivering the one piece many systems cannot — stable, structured housing.
How Residents Build Independence
Residents develop independent living skills through daily structure, shared living, and personal responsibility — not through on-site services or programming
Examples include:
🔸 Cooking and meal planning
🔸 Budgeting and financial planning management
🔸 Building credit through consistent, on-time housing payments
🔸 Maintaining a household
🔸 Obtaining identification (ID, driver's license)
🔸 Employment or educational progress
🔸 Accessing community resources through partner agencies
Participation in outside services is encouraged but not required as part of residency.
Our Community Partnerships
Our House participates in the local Continuum of Care (CoC) and builds relationships with agencies and service providers across Genesee County.
We actively partner with:
Social service agencies
Foster care organizations
Domestic violence programs
Homeless service providers
If your organization serves young women ages 18–24, we welcome collaboration.
Our approach is rooted in consistency, structure, and personal responsibility — creating an environment where residents can rebuild stability and move toward independence at their own pace.
Three Ways to Connect
Choose how you’d like to connect with Our House.
For agencies and referring professionals
General questions or inquiries
Partnerships and community collaboration