by Valerie Harkins, Executive Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition

In maternity housing, providing a safe and nurturing environment goes hand-in-hand with giving residents a voice. Honoring each woman’s dignity requires valuing her unique perspective and ensuring she feels heard. After all, the mission of a maternity home is to serve residents—not the other way around. This foundational commitment, established at incorporation and upheld for donors and constituents alike, keeps the organization focused on its true purpose: service through ministry to residents.

Structured resident surveys can be instrumental in fostering this environment. Anonymous surveys with open-ended questions allow residents to express their thoughts freely, supporting both transparency and safety. However, concerns inevitably arise: "What if residents lie or don’t tell the full story?" or "What if they manipulate responses to create triangulation?" Acknowledging these realities—along with the possibility that staff voices might go unheard—does not diminish the value of feedback. In fact, it strengthens it by promoting checks and balances between residents and staff. The survey process itself, done with integrity, serves as an accountability measure that protects both parties.

Beyond immediate insights, surveys reveal trends over time. While one resident’s perspective may be unique, repeated themes across surveys highlight patterns that can guide program adjustments. Additionally, survey data provides essential outcome measurements, serving as a valuable tool for evaluating program efficacy and reporting to donors, board members, and staff.

Example survey questions that invite honest reflection include:

• "What has your experience in the home been like this month?

• “What helped you?”

• “What did not help you?”

• “Did you feel safe this month? Why or why not?”

• “Is there anything on your mind that you’d like us to know that you might not feel comfortable sharing in person?”

• “What has your spiritual experience been like this month?”

• “Did you learn anything new this month? If so, what did you learn?”

• “What do you feel you need most right now?”

• “How was your sobriety journey this month?”

• “How many close friends do you have right now?”

• “What are your goals for the future?”

• "What do you feel you need most right now?"

Through structured feedback, maternity homes can fulfill their mission of dignified service, ensuring the organization remains a sanctuary of support, integrity, and growth.