Located at 1243 Peace Street SE, in Salem, Oregon, Women at the Well Grace House stands as a catalyst of hope and transformation for women seeking a fresh start. This modest yet impactful nonprofit, led by Executive Director Anne Naccarato, is dedicated to offering a safe, supportive environment for women who are rebuilding their lives, whether they are escaping homelessness, recovering from addiction, or reentering society after incarceration.
Women at the Well Grace House was born out of a grassroots movement by a group of compassionate women who felt called to serve the homeless community in Salem. These women began by delivering meals and offering prayers in local homeless camps, primarily in West Salem. Their commitment to this cause led one of them to purchase a house with her own money, providing a space where women could not only find shelter but also receive spiritual support and fellowship.
Over time, this humble beginning grew into the structured program that Women at the Well Grace House offers today. The house itself became a refuge where women could break bread together, participate in Bible studies, and find solace in the company of others who understood their struggles. The program has continued to evolve, with a clear focus on helping women reclaim their lives through structured support and compassionate care.
At its core, Women at the Well Grace House offers more than just shelter. It provides a comprehensive Christ centered faith-based program designed to support women through every step of their journey to independence. The house currently has the capacity to serve up to eight women, with plans to expand to accommodate even more.
Grace House operates as a “high barrier” shelter, meaning that it sets clear expectations for its residents, including maintaining sobriety and actively seeking employment. However, the staff understands the challenges many of these women face, such as the difficulty of staying clean while living on the streets. As a result, they have adapted their requirements to be more accessible, such as reducing the initial sobriety period to two weeks.
The house functions much like a family home, with residents sharing daily chores, cooking meals, and participating in “growth groups” and house meetings. These elements of communal living help foster a sense of belonging and accountability, which are crucial for each woman’s recovery and growth.
One of the most inspiring stories to come out of Grace House is that of Kimberly Allison, the current Case Manager. Kimberly’s journey to Grace House was far from easy, marked by deep personal struggles that ultimately shaped her passion for helping others.
A U.S. Army veteran, Kimberly served for ten years. It wasn’t until after she was discharged that her undiagnosed PTSD began to surface, leading her down a path of addiction and criminal behavior. After her discharge in 2003, Kimberly’s pride as a soldier prevented her from seeking help, and instead, she turned to alcohol and drugs to cope with her trauma. This destructive cycle continued until 2014 when she was arrested and sentenced to 28 months at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility.
While at Coffee Creek, Kimberly encountered a life-changing figure: Betty Howard from Salem Alliance Church. Betty’s mentorship introduced Kimberly to the idea of Women at the Well Grace House, a place where she could find not only shelter but also the tools needed to rebuild her life. In January 2016, Kimberly arrived at Grace House, and within 90 days, she graduated from the program and moved into her own apartment with another resident.
Kimberly’s involvement with Grace House didn’t end there. She began volunteering, eventually securing a part-time position as a receptionist. Her dedication and natural leadership qualities quickly became apparent, and she was soon trained and mentored to become a Case Manager. Today, Kimberly is a vital part of the Grace House team, walking alongside other women on their journeys to recovery and independence.
Reflecting on her role, Kimberly shares, “We don’t do this work for the pay. We do it for the reasons of seeing ladies be successful, even if it’s just one person at a time. It’s great and huge to see where they came in at and where they are when they leave.”
The impact of Women at the Well Grace House is best measured not just by the number of women they serve, but by the quality of care and support they provide. The program boasts a 92% “flourish rate,” a term that speaks to the success and personal growth of the women who pass through its doors. Unlike many larger shelters, Grace House’s boutique approach allows for a more personalized and empathetic form of support, which is key to its high success rate.
Residents at Grace House are not just given a place to stay; they are offered a new start. Whether they need help finding employment, reconnecting with family, or simply regaining a sense of self-worth, the team at Grace House is there to guide them every step of the way. This commitment to individualized care is what sets Grace House apart and why so many of its residents go on to lead successful, independent lives.
Community Involvement and Support
Women at the Well Grace House thrives thanks to the generous support of the Salem community. One of its most significant partnerships is with Trader Joe’s, which donates fresh produce and other food items that are on the last day and can’t be sold, but are a huge blessing to the ladies at Grace House. These donations are essential, helping to supplement the residents’ food supplies and ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious meals.
In addition to Trader Joe’s, Grace House has fostered strong relationships with local churches and businesses, including Salem Alliance Church, Salem First Baptist Church and MAPS Credit Union. These partnerships have provided everything from financial support to hands-on help with the garden expansion project and house renovations. For example, the Salem First Baptist Church recently helped remove old carpets to reveal beautiful hardwood floors underneath, transforming the living spaces for the residents.
Grace House also runs a unique boutique project on its property, where community members can shop for donated items. The boutique is open to women from all walks of life, offering clothing and other essentials in a dignified, organized setting. This project not only serves the community but also provides residents with valuable experience in retail and customer service.
How to Get Involved
The work of Women at the Well Grace House would not be possible without the continued support of the Salem community. There are many ways to get involved, from donating items to the boutique to volunteering your time or making a financial contribution. Community members can follow Grace House on social media to stay updated on their needs and events or reach out directly to inquire about specific ways to help.
Donations are always welcome, whether it’s household items for the boutique or larger items like furniture and tools that can help residents as they transition to independent living. Grace House makes it easy to donate—just call or text the office manager, who will coordinate a convenient drop-off time.
Women at the Well Grace House is more than just a shelter; it’s a place where women can rediscover their strength, regain their dignity, and rebuild their lives. Thanks to the dedication of the staff and the unwavering support of the Salem community, Grace House continues to be a sanctuary for women in need, offering them not just a roof over their heads, but a path to a brighter future.
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