Emergency housing
Planned safe, furnished temporary housing for individuals and families facing crisis, including women and men affected by domestic violence.
ROOTED IN ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS · EST. 2026
A safe place.
A stronger future.
A new beginning.
Every individual and family facing crisis deserves dignity, stability, and a reason to hope. We’re building a place where that next chapter can begin.
IN DEVELOPMENT Bringing people, partners, and a shared vision together.
SAFE HOMES ♥ STRONG FAMILIES ♥ NEW BEGINNINGS
WHEN LIFE FEELS UNCERTAIN
Feeling unsafe or without a place to stay?
Whether you’re facing an unsafe situation, have been displaced by a fire or flood, or are experiencing another housing crisis, you deserve support, dignity, and hope.
Reach out to House of MARY Center of Hope. We’re here to listen and help you explore community resources and possible next steps.
Our housing program is still in development, and we cannot offer housing placement at this time.
Let’s talk about your next step.
Call 779-423-4370Email us for supportWe are not an emergency response service. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
THE VISION WE’RE BUILDING
More than a roof.
A pathway to stability.
House of MARY Center of Hope is a developing community organization focused on individuals and families experiencing crisis, including survivors of domestic violence—women and men.
Our vision brings together safe, furnished emergency housing, practical stabilization support, and connections to trusted community partners so people can rebuild with confidence.
We are building our partnerships and housing model. Housing placement and direct services are not yet available through House of MARY.
SERVICES COMING SOON
Safety today.
Stability for tomorrow.
We’re developing a coordinated pathway of housing and support for individuals and families in crisis in Rockford.
These services are planned and are not yet available. Opening details and referral information will be shared as our housing model and partnerships are established.
Stabilization & case coordination
Individualized planning, practical guidance, and coordination to help each household work toward safety and stability.
Everyday essentials
Planned assistance connecting families with food, clothing, hygiene items, and other basic household needs.
Self-sufficiency support
Connections to employment, education, budgeting, and community resources that support greater independence.
Counseling & support groups
Planned connections to qualified counseling providers and opportunities for support groups through community partnerships.
Legal, health & family referrals
Referrals to qualified partners for legal assistance, healthcare, and services supporting children and families.
House of MARY plans to provide housing, stabilization, and case coordination. Licensed counseling, legal, medical, and specialized family services will be provided through qualified community partners.
THE HEART BEHIND THE NAME
Her name.
Our promise.
IN HONOR OF MARY
The Foundation of
House of MARY Center of Hope
House of MARY Center of Hope was built on the foundation of a woman of extraordinary strength, unwavering faith, and immeasurable love.
Mary was a woman of great value.
Her love began at home with her four children. Through her protection, guidance, and unwavering care, she gave them a foundation of safety, belonging, and hope. That love continued through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were her heart and her motivation—her drive to keep giving, keep protecting, and keep creating a better future for her family.
She was a God-fearing woman whose faith was reflected in the way she lived and loved others. Her life demonstrated that even during difficult days, there was still hope. There was still another way. There was still a reason to keep going.
She loved deeply, cared genuinely, and gave of herself selflessly. She did not give because she expected recognition, repayment, or anything in return. She gave because giving was simply a part of who she was. When someone was in need, she did what she could. When someone needed love, encouragement, or support, she gave from her heart.
That spirit is the foundation of House of MARY Center of Hope.
This organization was created to serve, restore, revive, and give hope to individuals and families facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. We want every person who walks through our doors to know that their circumstances do not have to be the end of their story.
There can be another chapter.
There can be another opportunity.
There can be hope.
Mary’s legacy reminds us that sometimes changing a life begins simply with being willing to care, willing to give, and willing to stand beside someone when they need it most.
Her name represents more than the name of this organization. It represents the standard by which we intend to serve.
So when you hear the name House of MARY Center of Hope, remember the woman behind it.
Remember a woman who loved selflessly.
Remember a woman who gave from her heart.
Remember a woman whose faith carried her through difficult days.
Remember a woman who would give what she had to help someone else.
And remember that because of the life she lived, her legacy of love, faith, service, and hope will continue through every person and every family House of MARY Center of Hope has the privilege to serve.
Her life planted the seed.
Her love built the foundation.
Her faith gave us hope.
And her legacy will continue to serve others.
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Laura Howell
LAURA HOWELL · FOUNDER
House of MARY was founded in memory of Laura’s mother, Mary, and carries forward a commitment to serving others.
Born and raised in Rockford, Laura brings more than 20 years of community service experience to this work. Her background in helping people navigate challenges and connect with resources informs a vision grounded in practical support and lasting stability.
House of MARY is being built around a simple belief: people facing a crisis deserve to be treated with dignity and given the time, space, and support to begin again.
OUR BOARD
Committed to our vision.
- Laura HowellFounder
Johnathon PattersonBoard Member
Andre WalkerBoard Member
Tracy CarrBoard Member
Carla HollimanBoard Member
THE MARY PATHWAY
Hope, one step at a time.
Meet immediate needs
Begin with safety, housing, and everyday essentials.
Assess & plan
Listen, identify priorities, and create a plan together.
Rebuild
Connect with resources that support stability and independence.
Your new beginning
Work toward a sustainable next chapter and continued support.
OUR PARTNERS
Building hope together.
We’re developing relationships with housing providers, service organizations, faith communities, local businesses, and other community partners to support individuals and families in crisis.
Partner announcements and additional details are coming soon.
Become a Partner
Connect with our team to explore how your organization can help support safe housing, essential needs, and pathways to stability.
Discuss a partnershipGIVE HOPE
Support a new beginning.
Help bring the vision of House of MARY Center of Hope to life. Connect with our team about financial contributions or items that could support future housing and family needs.
Contact us about donating
A member of our team will help you explore ways to give.
LET’S BUILD THIS TOGETHER
There’s a place
for you in this vision.
We’re connecting with people and organizations who share our commitment to stronger families and a more hopeful Rockford.
More informationinfo@houseofmarycenterofhope.org779-423-4370Community partnerships
Let’s explore how housing providers, service organizations, faith communities, and local businesses can help create a coordinated network of support.
Discuss a partnershipBoard leadership
We’re interested in connecting with people who bring thoughtful leadership, community knowledge, and experience in housing, finance, law, social services, or organizational development.
Express board interestFuture volunteer opportunities
Share your skills and interests as we develop the organization. A member of our team can connect with you about ways to contribute as the work grows.
Share your interest