The Beginning

Mrs Helen Abel Mrs Helen Abel, a long time supporter of Catholic Charities' House of Rachel, passed away in 2000. It was Mrs Abel's property located in a Mid City neighborhood of San Diego that became the foundation of what was to become the Homeless Women's Services Department.

Sister RayMonda DuVall, now the Executive Director of Catholic Charities, started the House of Rachel as her first project with Catholic Charities. Twenty-five years ago, Sister RayMonda had an idea and a vision and Mrs Abel had a house. That was the beginning. Because Mrs Abel had the interest, patience, commitment and willingness to rent her beloved home to Catholic Charities, she has impacted hundreds of lives ofwomen she never met.

Since 1980 while at the house of Rachel, 968 women have been given the opportunity to end their risk for homelessness, become economically stable, and find permanent housing. In their own words, former residents of House of Rachel, share what the House meant to them.

Dear House of Rachel,

When I moved into the House of Rachel I had some dreams. I called them dreams because all I ever did was think about them and they were always just out of reach. After expressing my dreams I was helped to make them my goals, and possible. The living, sharing, companionship and caring ofwomen supporting and guiding each other helped me through many discouraging times. When I moved out of the House of Rachel I had accomplished some goals and I know others are in my reach. I don't just dream anymore.

A Former Resident

Dear House of Rachel,

I have grown here in many ways; in many ways I've learned to be more responsive in my personal life. The Program stressed responsibility. This is something I have always avoided. Many times I couldn't face the situation straight up. My stay helped me confront some things I've had to confront for a long time. I learned many new things aobut myself as an individual. Though I have only begun my quest I truly appreciated the opportunity to have a home here. I generally avoid personal contact in a social way. Somehow I know it's more important to try to be a little more sociable. All of the staff were helpful to me.

A Former Resident

For 22 years the House of Rachel was located in the Mid City neighborhood of Azalea Park. When the original House was sold in 2001, Catholic Charities asked the YWCA to temporarily house our women while a new site was identified and renovated.

In August 2002, Home Aid San Diego, a chapter of HomeAid America and ColRich began renovation of a house located in South Mission Hills. After 4 months of non-stop work on the part of over 20 CoRich contractors, the House of Rachel was officially blessed and reopened on December 12, 2002.

For up to 24 months women participate in the daily operations and maintenance requirements of the House as they learn to adjust to the economic and personal challenges in their lives. What is unique is that the House recognizes the need for safety and support in a home-like environment where homeless women 50 and over can begin to heal.

Women at the House are responsible for preparing a meal for the House community once a week. The women plan the meals, shop for the groceries, cook, and share the meals together. The women at the House are responsible for preparing a meal for the house community once a week. The women plan the meals, shop for the groceries, cook, and share the meals together. Did you know that $100 would provide the groceries for S women for 3 meals a day for one week?

For 25 years, the House has adapted to accommodate the changing faces and increasing complexity of issues presented by residents. How located in a residential neighborhood on the edge of downtown, the House serves the rapidly growing population of homeless women age 50 and over.

In its 25 years of operation, House of Rachel has provided 25,341 bed nights to 968 women and helped them become self-reliant, contributing members of the community, to achieve their goals, and to resolve their homeless circumstances.