In 1981, Colleen Tronson was homeless and pregnant. She had nowhere to go and a family took her in and cared for her during her pregnancy. She had previously had three abortions but for this pregnancy she made an adoption plan for her son. For the past 19 years Colleen has been the director of Metro Women's Center, offering hope and help to pregnant women in Minnesota. Every year MWC sees more then 300 new clients and every year the need for safe housing during pregnancy for many of these women is an issue. We know that one of the concerns a pregnant woman can have have is, "Where will I live during my pregnancy?" Often women are asked to leave their current living situation by family or others who prefer not to be bothered with her or her baby. This year more then 60 women contacted MWC for housing help. We are able to house some women in private homes (shepherding homes) but these are sometimes scarce. We have researched housing programs for pregnant women and found that there is only one maternity home within 50 miles of the Twin Cities area and that is in St. Cloud. There are other housing programs for women who have drug/alcohol/domestic violence issues but none for women whose main concern is a pregnancy. Here is the story of a client that would have benefited from the home we wish to establish: "I was in trouble with the law because I had forged some checks to please the guy that was my pimp. I had been involved with prostitution and had burned all my bridges with my family by stealing from them and lying to them. I found myself in jail facing serious felony charges and also found myself pregnant. I thought I wanted an abortion but I did not have the money for co-pay. I don't know if I would have really done it or not, but I was feeing pretty trapped. My dad bailed me out of jail and we went to Metro Women's Center to see about housing. I could not stay with my family because of my past behavior." "MWC helped me get into a shepherding home and I began to consider my future. I decided to carry my baby to term and when I delivered my son; my shepherding mom was by coach. My son is now 4 years old, I still live with the shepherding family. During the past 4 years I have completed probation, paid all my restitution, completed Twin Cites Rise (job training) and have held a responsible job for over 2 years. I recently joined a local church and my next goals are to get a car and to consider having my own place to live in the future. I could not have done what I have done without the support, love and structure of my shepherding family and Metro Women's Center." Please help us establish the Amazing Grace Home. We have raised $164,000 towards our goal of $400,000. We would like to house six women and house parents. Our goal is to not carry a mortgage and to have an ongoing annual budget of $75,000. Thank you for considering this project!