Naomi's House Growth Initiatives Underscores Commitment to Support Underserved Women

• Saint Agnes Medical Center and Poverello House will collaborate to serve underserved women in the Central Valley
• The facility will offer essentials comforts, kitchen, dining, showers, laundry, bedding, and an education room
• Collaboration expanded to provide complimentary medical, dental, and behavioural health support

Saint Agnes Medical Center and Poverello House have partnered to launch Naomi’s House at Holy Cross, a 30-bed transitional housing facility in Downtown Fresno. The collaboration will deliver comprehensive support services that foster healing, stability, and opportunity for underserved women in the Central Valley.

Located inside the Holy Cross Health and Wellness Center, the 2,426-square-foot facility has been transformed to accommodate up to 90-day stays for underserves women. The center features essential services such as a full kitchen, private hygiene facilities, and a designated learning environment to foster long-term stability.

With a mutual dedication to empowering at-risk individuals, Saint Agnes Medical Center and Poverello House have collaborated for more than four decades, beginning with the co-founding of what is now the holy Cross Health and Wellness Center adjacent to Poverello House.

“More than 40 years ago, the Sisters initiated this collaboration to address the pressing needs of our community,” said Ivonne Der Torosian, Saint Agnes Vice President. “Today, it is a privilege to carry forward their mission by providing a safe space for women with a renovated Naomi’s House and our future initiatives.”.

The non-profit alliance now offers essentials like clothing and childcare, plus free medical, dental, and behavioural health services. The organizations are adding a community garden and onsite clinic to enhance resident wellness.

“Our partnership with Saint Agnes Medical Center spans more than four decades,” said Poverello House CEO Zackary Darrah. “Throughout that time, we have remained united in a common purpose to uplift and to care for women experiencing homelessness with dignity, compassion, and unwavering respect.”