Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to reside at Magdalena House, mothers must:

  • be 18 years or older with no more than 3 children under 8 at at time of move-in.
  • be leaving a dangerous situation and in need of a residence.
  • agree to follow Magdalena House programs and community living requirements.
  • possess the desire, interest, and ability to participate full-time in educational or vocational training.
  • commit to pursuing life enrichment classes, counseling, and other activities at Magdalena House.
  • commit to making personal changes that will result in positive growth, self-reliance and ongoing spiritual formation.
  • contribute to family expenses and personal savings as financially able.
  • not be actively addicted to alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription medications.

We are not able to accept women who are pregnant. 

We do accept women who are human trafficking survivors who do not have children.

Magdalena House does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, or English proficiency in the delivery of services.

To file a complaint alleging descrimination, go to the website of the Office of Civil Rights, download the appropriate forms, sign them, and send them to the Office of Civil Rights.

 

How to Apply

Interested mothers are encouraged to contact Magdalena House directly at 210-561-0505.  We only interview mothers when we anticipate we will have an available room, and we do not keep a waiting list.

If we do have availability, we will ask you to complete an initial phone interview. During this interview you will have the chance to ask questions about the program. If you meet initial criteria, you will be invited to a formal interview with the Magdalena House Intake Team. You will be asked to bring a completed application and required documents, and you may be asked to disclose detailed personal information. Photo identification and a drug and TB test are required.

The application process (from first phone call to final admittance) can take as long as two weeks. Magdalena House will provide applicants with Limited English proficiency with interpretation and translation services as necessary.

 

FAQs

What if Magdalena House has no availability or what if I don't fit the eligibility criteria?  If Magdalena House is not a match for you but you are still in need of shelter, please contact United Way 211 (search shelters) for more resources in the San Antonio community.

I need emergency shelter, what should I do?  Magdalena House does not provide emergency shelter. 

Referrals for shelter and emergency resources:

If you or someone you know is in immediate dangercall 911 or one of the below hotlines: