Ruth's Home. Image courtesy: WAOW TV
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU-WAOW) — A new transitional housing program in Wausau is helping single mothers rebuild their lives after homelessness or domestic violence.
Ruth’s Home is an extension of the Hager House, offering mothers a more hands-off and realistic living experience as they prepare for independence.
Hagar House Executive Director Jessica Bretl says the program was created to bridge the gap between crisis intervention and living completely on one’s own.
“The Hager House is a little bit more of a crisis intervention. So, when a mom is facing domestic violence or homelessness, sleeping in their cars. We’re going to be a place where from six to 18 months we will help them to rebuild their lives,” Bretl said.
Ruth’s Home provides mothers with additional time to practice managing daily responsibilities before moving out on their own.
“Ruth’s home is going to provide another program, an extension that will give them just a little bit more time to practice sort of doing all those things on their own again. So that they will be successful when they move out completely on their own,” Bretl said.
Caitlin Kyle, a former Hager House resident and now staff member, said the new home fills an important gap in the journey toward independence.
“Making it through the amazing opportunity that the Hager House provides and then having Ruth’s house it’s just an icing on the cake for these moms. It’s something they can look forward to,” Kyle said.
The building includes two fully furnished three-bedroom apartments and six garage stalls that will provide safe parking for Hager House families.
Residents will begin taking on everyday expenses like groceries and toiletries while still having access to guidance and support as they build confidence living on their own.
Organizers described it as a faded-back level of support in a safe environment.
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