Since 2007, Visitation House has been a temporary home for women during pregnancy and after childbirth. We empower women by focusing on healthy living, personal and spiritual development, education, employment and independence. Through our diverse community of volunteers, we provide counseling, case management, help with accessing community resources and focus on developing budgeting and parenting skills, to build self-esteem allowing women to achieve their potential.
Sixty percent of homeless women aged 30-50 are mothers with 90% being single parents. Homelessness is often accompanied by violence. Three out of four homeless women have experienced domestic abuse and face a 13 times higher risk of violence compared to those living in stable housing conditions. Children raised in poverty experience poor physical and mental health outcomes that extend into adulthood. Our three-phased program attempts to break the cycle by allowing residents to continue their education, learn vital parenting and life skills and pursue employment.
Ninety-three percent of women leaving Visitation House are gainfully employed and self-sufficient heads of households. Visitation House operates solely on generous donations from individuals, churches, organizations, grants and corporate sponsors. Visitation House is not supported by any state or federal funding.
The Visitation House Inc. is a nonprofit organization in DeLand, FL. Visitation House began operation in 2007 and became an IRS section 501(c)(3) not-for-profit in 2015. We provide a safe, secure, and caring environment for pregnant women in crisis and prepare them to live self-sufficiently when they leave.
Volunteer
Thank you for your interest in sharing your time and talent with Visitation House! Time is a valuable resource and we are always in need of people willing to share their time.
Below is a Volunteer Application Form and Volunteer Handbook. Please feel free to email us at admin@VisitationHouseDeLand.org or call (386) 822-6014 if you have questions or need assistance.
Monthly Donations
Your generosity supports our mission of providing a loving maternity home. You can donate online, by mail to Visitation House Inc., PO Box 25, DeLand, FL 32721, or call us at (386) 822-6014 if you’d like to drop off donations—thank you for your support!
We’ve created an Amazon Wish List for baby and household items that we need throughout the year. When you place an order it will ship directly to a secure address for Visitation House.
Other Donations Needed
Health and beauty aides, i.e., shampoo, deodorant, and toothpaste.
Maternity clothing
Gift cards for groceries (Walmart, Winn Dixie, Aldi, and Publix)
Gas cards for residents who have vehicles for appointments and work.
Become a Resident
If you are interested in participating in our program as a resident, please complete the Program Application below. Please be sure to fill out all fields, and place N/A in any field you do not have information for.
On Going Capital Campaigns
Learn more about our Van Campaign
Currently, Visitation House residents rely on public transportation and volunteers using personal vehicles for mother and baby medical appointments, job interviews, and shopping for food and other necessities. Transportation is often one of the biggest challenges at the Visitation House, so in 2023 we launched a campaign to raise $50,000 to purchase and equip a 12-passenger van to accommodate our residents and their infants in appropriate car seats. Having reliable and available transportation, our volunteers, staff, and residents’ time will be better spent on achieving their personal goals.
Thank you in advance for your assistance in helping us to continue our mission.
Learn more about our Sister Facility Campaign
In recent years, we’ve seen the number of applicants who already have children steadily increase. Unfortunately, our current facility is not suitable for young children, so unless those children are placed with relatives or into foster care while the woman is at our residence, we are unable to help. Separating an already fragile family is a devastating decision that often leads to living on the street.
In addition, the continuing shortage of affordable housing is a critical obstacle for women graduating from our program. Mothers who are ready to graduate from our program have very few affordable options for housing. Visitation House is undertaking a strategic initiative to develop a sister facility suitable for women with young children. Our sister facility will welcome single homeless mothers, infants, and small children, thereby alleviating the heartbreaking decision of having to place their children in other homes or foster care rather than all living on the street. A review of suitable locations suggests that we need to raise $850,000 to start. We are reaching out in an effort to gather our community in support of this key initiative. We thank you in advance for your support.
Take a look at the pictures from Fat Friday 2024!
Take a look at pictures from Fat Friday 2024!
Our History
Visitation House was first envisioned by Father Tom Connery in 2007. He was inspired to create a safe home for women who were pregnant with few options and nowhere to go. Father Tom challenged St. Peter Catholic Church parishioners to become part of the solution, and so Visitation House became a nurturing home for pregnant women during their pregnancy and after childbirth.
In 2015 the Visitation House officially became an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. We continue to serve the needs of many women and their babies. Visitation House relies solely on generous donations from private donors, churches, grants and corporate sponsors.
Visitation House Inc.
PO Box 25
DeLand, FL 32721
Phone: (386) 822-6014
Email: admin@VisitationHouseDeLand.org
A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll free (800-435-7352) within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State. Registration Number: CH49431