Portland's Only Catholic Maternity Home Aims to Serve Hundreds of Mothers in Need

Saint Maria Goretti Home, a new Catholic ministry in the Portland area, is working to provide long-term housing and practical support for pregnant women facing difficult circumstances while inviting parishes, schools, clergy, and the wider Catholic community to help bring that vision to life.

Currently in its building phase, the nonprofit Catholic maternity home plans to provide lodging for women during pregnancy and for up to three years after the birth of their child. The organization is preparing for its inaugural fundraising gala on Thursday, Sept. 10, at Amaterra Winery in Portland, with proceeds helping establish a permanent home of hospitality for mothers in need.

The project seeks to address a significant gap in services available to vulnerable pregnant women in the Portland metro area. While some residential programs exist for women recovering from substance abuse, organizers say many expectant mothers facing poverty, homelessness, domestic abuse, isolation, or immigration-related challenges have few long-term housing options. More than 300 pregnant women each year seek emergency shelter through Road 2 Hope, a Christian maternity home in the Portland area, underscoring the need for additional long-term housing and support.

Residents will receive assistance designed to help them build stable, independent lives, including vocational development, financial literacy, parenting and homemaking instruction, educational support, and guidance toward employment. Consistent with its Catholic identity, St. Maria's Home also plans to offer opportunities for Bible study, Theology of the Body and Natural Family Planning instruction while welcoming women of every cultural, ethnic, and religious background.

The home's three-year residential model is informed by successful maternity homes around the country, including Mary's Shelter in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and has been developed in collaboration with local organizations serving vulnerable mothers. The project reflects the Church's longstanding commitment to protecting the dignity of human life by accompanying mothers with practical care. In his recent Pastoral Letter on the Spiritual Foundation of Mission Renewal, Archbishop Alexander Sample encouraged Catholics throughout western Oregon to embrace the corporal and spiritual works of mercy by serving "the poor and suffering." Supporting St. Maria's Home offers one tangible way to answer that call.

The St. Maria's Home Fundraising Gala will be held Thursday, Sept. 10, from 6–10 PM at Amaterra Winery. The evening will include dinner, presentations from David and Margaret Bereit, an introduction to the ministry's vision, and opportunities to support its future. Those interested in learning more, volunteering, or supporting St. Maria's Home are encouraged to attend the gala or visit the ministry's website for additional information.