Pratt House

On a steamy summer evening, nine children tromp into the center of the multi-purpose room at Pratt House. Gushing with excitement, they chant, stomp and clap, sparking a spontaneous response from parents and visitors in the audience. Within seconds, everyone is moving in rhythm with the performance. This is Pratt House’s Step Program – just one of the many activities that give young residents a sense of purpose and an opportunity to make lasting friendships.

In 2002, Volunteers of America Chesapeake’s Pratt House was transformed from a dilapidated Baltimore City School into a vibrant, 35-apartment transitional housing community -- complete with an outdoor playground, activities room and learning center. In addition to providing a safe and supportive residential environment for homeless families with two or more children, the facility offers case management, mental health counseling and referrals to needed services, such as health care, substance abuse treatment, adult education and job training.

Staff members assist each family in developing a Program Plan, which guides their progress towards independence, self-sufficiency, and permanent housing. On the road to self-sufficiency, residents take part in on-site life skills classes, which include financial budgeting, parenting, stress management, career development, job readiness, family issues and relationships, and problem solving and decision making – all lessons that will last a lifetime.

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1701 West Pratt Street : Baltimore, Maryland  21223 : 410-362-5657