St. Mary’s Residence was founded in 1902 (re-dedicated in 1991). It offers safe, affordable housing annually for 43 single working women between 18-60 years old with limited incomes. The Residence provides affordable housing, meals, and communal living services for each woman, allowing her to concentrate on improving her language and job skills for a better future.

“You have no idea how much living at St. Mary’s made a difference in my life. I chose my career because of you, because I wanted to help and educate children who are growing up as I did.”
– Lynsey, former St. Mary’s resident

How do you survive when your income falls at or below the poverty line? With the high costs of basic normal living, the majority of your income goes towards housing leaving little left over for food and other needs.

At St. Mary’s Residence, a woman can find the opportunity to better her living condition as she works to improve her quality of life.

Our Facilities:

St. Mary’s Residence in Jersey City, New Jersey has known an unbroken history of housing the economically-poor since 1902. The historical majority of residents in St. Mary’s represent the working poor, a population that is under served and almost invisible in relation to federal and state domestic welfare policy.

St. Mary’s provides an affordable, clean and secure environment for its residents. The Residence maintains 43 private bedrooms, and several communal areas: 20 bathrooms, one dining room, one pantry, three lounge areas, and is home to the organization-wide Clothing Boutique, and a tiny chapel. 

Services We Provide:

St. Mary’s serves as a safe, affordable rooming house for working. low-income women. Each resident pays monthly rent for a private bedroom (approximately 150 sq. ft.) and shares common living space with other residents. Breakfast and dinner are served daily in a spacious dining room. Residents at St. Mary’s are typically under employed and do not have the skills needed to advance in their jobs. Living at St. Mary’s allows time to improve their skills and/or advance their education and start earning a higher income.

The rent includes a private fully furnished room, one complete set of bedding, 2 meals per day, housekeeping in the common areas and a private storage area.  Coin operated laundry facilities are located onsite.  Admittance is based upon need, employment status and a first-come-first-served basis. Most women stay at St. Mary’s Residence an average of two years.