(Pittsburgh, PA, Oct. 23, 2006) — More than 50 people attended Sojourner House's celebratory program to announce the "take-off" of MOMS Phase II, on Tuesday, Oct. 17.

Following the success of its first apartment complex, Sojourner House MOMS soon will open two additional residences, offering 10 families permanent supportive housing along with services vital to continue their recovery, reunite their family and move toward self-sufficiency. Families are referred to Sojourner House MOMS from many agencies throughout the Pittsburgh region.

Hosted and underwritten by Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield, the evening focused on the purpose of MOMS II: to provide 10 new housing units for poor, homeless mothers in early recovery and their children.

We estimate that all together, MOMS will offer supportive case management, referral and transportation to health, education, and recreation resources to some 50 children. Families will be provided with not just a house, but with the education and encouragement needed to promote healthy family life," said executive director Norma Raiff.

Sojourner House MOMS – the name stands for motivation, opportunities, mentoring, and spirituality – began in 2002 as a partnership of Sojourner House, East Liberty Development, Inc., and Negley Place Neighborhood Alliance. These community partners recognized a critical housing need for families headed by women with a dual diagnosis of drug or alcohol dependence and a mental health disorder.

To learn more about Sojourner House MOMS, visit www.sojournerhousepa.org