Over a century ago, St. Catherine Residence provided a safe place for women in the Milwaukee community and it still does today.

Founded 125 years ago by the Sisters of Mercy, and sponsored by Mercy Housing Lakefront, the mission of St. Catherine Residence is to ensure stable, affordable and supportive housing to low-income women of diverse talents and needs who aspire to maximize their personal growth and employment opportunities.

St. Catherine Residence provides housing for up to 164 women in suite-style apartments, with shared baths, and community kitchens. Women may rent short- or long-term and stay as long as they need. It’s a safety net for the most vulnerable who don’t fit into other housing programs or are unable to afford housing in the regular market. Residents often come directly from homeless shelters and have annual incomes below the poverty line and need an affordable place to call home.

We know that a home is just the beginning. Indeed, it is practical, onsite programs and the culture of caring that enable profound change for residents. These onsite programs include: health assessments, wellness classes, and access to medical care, classes in nutrition and cooking, budget planning and financial management, computer training and online access and much more.

With your help, St. Catherine Residence is providing the stable foundation we all need to fulfill our dreams and lead productive lives. Please consider making a gift in honor of the 125th anniversary and the over 20,000 women whose lives have been positively changed with a stay at St. Catherine Residence.