Joseph’s House: Then and Now
“Providing whole-hearted love and unwavering service to mothers, children, and families.”
2009-2014
Joseph's House is a mission founded in prayer. On March 19, 2009 Kitty Spinelli said her first rosary outside of Planned Parenthood. Over the next 5 years, a faith-filled group of dedicated individuals called to open a home for pregnant and parenting women with no place to go, would come to fruition.
With the help of Holy Family Parish in Fairmount, NY and so many other dedicated volunteers, they raised the necessary funds to purchase the first home on Danforth St. on the northside of Syracuse, NY for pregnant and parenting women facing homelessness and experiencing trauma.
2014
On March 19th, 2014, the doors were opened to house pregnant women and those with young children. The first baby was born at Joseph’s House in April of 2014. Since that time, more than 100 babies have been born who call Joseph’s House their first home.
By 2023, with an average of 100 women and children living at Joseph’s House each year, more than 500 women and their children include Joseph’s House as part of their journey to healing and independence. We are honored by the many women who have shared their story with us. Read more about #HerStory here.
2020
In March of 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we purchased the former Dominican Monastery for the Sisters of the Perpetual Rosary. This 40,000-square foot property provided office space and ample room for programming and community activities. Women living at JH came to Court St. to participate in Life Skills programs, Counseling, and other necessary services.
Approximately two years later in the fall of 2022, five women moved from the original home just a couple of blocks away. Court St. then became a second home, expanding JH services to approximately 15 women and their children.
2022-2024
Around the same time in 2022, we opened a transitional apartment on the Court St. property. These apartments provided two units for women and their children once they were ready to move forward in their lives but still desired the presence and support of the JH staff. For the first time we were able to offer a housing option to women as they transitioned back to the community. While being fully supported through our programs this options allows more flexibility and independence as women work full-time, manage their own transportation, and save funds for their future.
In 2023, the women from Danforth St. moved to Court St. to live together under one roof. After 10 years, the Board of Directors made the difficult decision to sell the original home on Danforth St. Although the original home was a place of healing, love, and great joy, it was time to start a new chapter for Joseph’s House and those who call it a part of their journey. Find out more about living at Joseph’s House and how to connect with us in a variety of ways.
Little did we know the sale of the Danforth St. home in 2024 would open the door to another opportunity. Shortly after the sale, we were approached about buying a home that adjoined the Court St. property. Immediately we purchased this new home, which offers the opportunity to expand our transitional housing.
The new home will allow at least two additional women the opportunity to manage an apartment, continue to work and budget, all while remaining connected to JH programs and staff as they regain independence in the community. We eagerly anticipate this new opportunity and will provide updates as we approach the opening of the second transitional apartment.
The Future
Joseph’s House continues to grow to improve and expand the services we provide to pregnant and parenting women facing homelessness and experiencing trauma. We strive to be a place where women can obtain stabilization in a safe, secure, welcoming and loving environment. We are a home where women can be restored, doing the hard work to heal from past trauma and grow into whom they are called to be. Transformation builds on healing and seeking personal growth as well as a healthy and independent life with their children. Through their hard work, they are changing the future for themselves and the next generation.
In the summer of 2023, Joseph’s House completed a feasibility study to help determine future planning for Joseph’s House. Our Court St. home and property offers great potential to meet the needs and aspirations of pregnant and parenting women living in our community and throughout New York State. As we discern the next steps for the future, stay up-to-date by signing up for our newsletter at the bottom of this page and follow us on Social Media on Facebook and Instagram. This mission is only possible with the prayers, support, and generosity of individuals like you.
More Options
If you would like to know more about what we do or how to get involved please reach out by calling the office at 315-701-4981 or email us at josephshouse4women@gmail.com.
If you are interested in learning more about living at Joseph’s House please call 315-288-0319 and speak with a staff member. You can also send a text to connect with a staff member. A staff member will reach out within 24-hours.
If you would like to donate, please visit our Donate Page. For volunteer opportunities please email volunteer@jhfw.org or complete the online volunteer form.