The HONEY Program in DC is making strides in reducing pre-term births among vulnerable new moms facing homelessness.
Author: Randi Hildreth
WASHINGTON — A program in DC that helps some of the city’s most vulnerable new moms is showing promising results.
T’Roya Jackson was at her wits’ end while pregnant with her youngest son.
“Overwhelmed. Overwhelmed. Stressed,” said T’Roya Jackson, HONEY Program participant.
The now mom of five — was preparing for birth while facing homelessness.
With her doctor warning her to slow down.
“My doctor was like you have to calm down. You have to relax. If not, your baby is going to come out just as stressed as your are,” said Jackson.
She was introduced to the HONEY Program in DC. It stands for Housing Our Newborns, Empowering You.
“Our role is to connect moms to prenatal care and really support them in that prenatal, post-partum, and during labor and delivery,” said Kelly Sweeney McShane, President and CEO of Community of Hope.
Community of Hope is a homeless services provider and community health center — and used that expertise to create the HONEY program offered at no cost to eligible moms.
Two years in, the program has served more than 300 moms and a little over 200 babies.
A new study done by the George Washington University Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health found the program is working.
“Saw significantly lower rate of pre-term births. About half the rate of the DC average for African American moms on Medicaid,” said Sweeney McShane. “Population that is generally more at risk anyway for social factors. The fact that we’re seeing such good outcomes I think is even more important.”
Sweeney McShane says the center is tracking numbers that show more families are experiencing homelessness – and the need is growing.
“Do believe the number of moms that are pregnant is growing and we want to be available to be a resource to those who need it,” said McShane.
Jackson says the program helped her family find shelter — access medical care and food assistance — until they could get back on their feet.
She says she owes a lot to the HONEY Program staff.
“A lot of people are living next to missing a paycheck and having everything fall apart,” said Jackson, “Wish we would all allow more grace for each other and I felt grace in this program.”
Moms who are interested in the program are referred by the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center.
Community of Hope says they are accepting donations to continue to fund the program. You can also drop off clothing or book donations to go to families in the program.
