1.) Why do children come to Blessing House?
Children come to stay with us because their families are facing an emergency. These emergencies include: 
- Homelessness
- Utility shut off
- Hospitalization of the parent or caregiver
- Hospitalization of a family member
- Domestic violence
- Incarceration
- Risk of abuse or neglect/lack of appropriate care
- Legal matters
- Mental health/parenting issues
2.) How long can children stay at Blessing House?
The length of stay is different for each child. It depends on the circumstances of the family. Our average length of stay is about 7 days.
3.) How many can stay at Blessing House at once?
We are licensed to care for up to 10 children at once.
4.) What age children can come to Blessing House?
We care for children from birth through 12 years old.
5.) Can parents stay with their children at Blessing House?
Parents are encouraged to visit with their children at Blessing House, but they are not permitted to stay with them.
6.) What does it cost for children to stay at Blessing House?
There is no fee to parents or caregivers whose children are cared for at Blessing House.
7.) Who takes care of the children at Blessing House?
Children are cared for by compassionate employees who are screened and trained. 3 shifts of employees provide around the clock care.
8.) Where does the money to operate Blessing House come from?
Our funding comes from a variety of sources. We have received support from local foundations including The Nord Family Foundation, The Alyce J. and Ann J. Metka Foundation, The Community Foundation of Lorain County, The Stocker Foundation, The Norton Family Foundation, The Nordson Corporation Foundation, The Humility of Mary Endowment Fund, and The Sisters of Notre Dame Endowment Fund.
We also receive funds from The Ohio Children’s Trust Fund, which funds programs that focus on preventing child abuse and neglect.
We have a major fundraiser, the annual Rock-A-Bye Ball that provides about 20% of our funding.
The rest of our funding comes from donations from the community.
9.) What benefits do the children receive by coming to Blessing House?
- Children are kept safe rather than being left in an unsafe environment or with an inappropriate caregiver.
- Children receive attention in addition to healthy meals, snacks, and shelter. Children thrive in an environment that brings routine and stability to their lives.
- Children have different experiences than what they often have known.
- Children establish positive relationships with the caring adults who are on staff .
- Children attend their home schools while at Blessing House, minimizing the disruption during their family crisis.
10.) What benefits do the parents/caregivers receive when their children come to Blessing House?
- Families are relieved to know their children are safe and receive loving care.
- Families receive information to help them adress their crisis.
- Families know they have an organization that will provide help and information whenever a crisis arises, no matter the time of day or night.
- Families are strengthened and supported when safe, out of home alternative for the care of their children is available.
- Parents seek help more readily because they retain custody while their children are at Blessing House.
- Families form relationships with staff built on trust and compassion. This enables them to accept other information that will benefit their children.