The Don & Kaye Kole
Magdalene House
Magdalene House: Emergency Housing Program for Women with Children
Putting Family First, Even in Homelessness
At Union Mission's Don & Kaye Kole Magdalene House, our primary focus is on recognizing the importance of family, even in the face of homelessness. We understand that women with children make up the fastest growing population of homeless individuals in America. To address this urgent issue, our emergency housing suites are dedicated to serving up to 6 families each day.
During their 90-day stay at Magdalene, our clients not only receive a safe and comfortable place to stay but also benefit from a range of supportive services. These services are designed to empower our clients and set them on the path to self-sufficiency.
By prioritizing the well-being of both women and their children, we aim to create an environment that fosters stability and growth. It is our goal to provide the necessary resources and assistance that will support these families in overcoming the challenges of homelessness.
At Union Mission, we firmly believe that family should always come first, regardless of the circumstances.
65% participated in counseling/support groups
72% increased income
95% obtained safe and stable housing
100% connected children to school or childcare
*Data from 2024
Transformation & Expansion
COMMUNITY NEED
The Don & Kaye Kole Magdalene House supports families as they break the cycle of poverty and move toward long term stability. Women with children experiencing homelessness face unique challenges—struggling to secure living wage employment, access affordable childcare, and maintain a safe and stable home. For children, this instability can disrupt education, harm mental and physical health, and limit future opportunities.
Families need more than temporary shelter. They need a place to heal, rebuild, and grow together.
Women and children are a growing and often invisible segment of the homeless population in our community. Official counts overlook families who are doubled up, living from night to night in hotels or other precarious housing. Over the 2024-2025 school year, Chatham County Schools reported 719 homeless school-aged children, and 82% were doubled up with other families. This overwhelming number excludes children under 5. It is critical that we expand capacity in our community to provide stability, restoration, and hope for these vulnerable families.
In 2025, Magdalene House provided stability and support to 36 mothers and 69 children – and every family successfully moved into permanent housing.
UNION MISSION’S RESPONSE
In 2026, Union Mission will renovate Magdalene House to expand our capacity and create a dignified, healing environment for mothers and their children. Our long time partner, West Construction – celebrating its 10th Anniversary – will provide substantial in-kind labor and resources to support this transformation. With architectural plans completed, we are now seeking additional support to bridge the fundraising gap.
The renovated Emergency Housing Program will allow more families in Savannah to access the services and support needed to stabilize and recover from the trauma of homelessness. Enhancements will include therapeutic spaces for families, child friendly areas, and environments that promote connection, learning, and healing. The project is designed to increase durability, strengthen security, and offer warm, welcoming spaces that honor the dignity of every mother and child we serve—ultimately supporting more than 10 additional mothers and 20–30 children each year.
“Looking at homelessness through the eyes of a mom, it’s kind of like every move you make has to be making sure that not even just you are okay, but your kid is okay at the same time. So there’s times where I kind of put myself to the side, and it’s mostly just focusing on my son to make sure he has whatever he needs.” ”
