Sisu is a Finnish word that means bravery, determination, courage, and willpower. Sisu Living House is a resource for women ready to start their new beginning.
Sisu Living House is a structured sober and transitional home for women and located in Raleigh, North Carolina.
We provide a safe, substance-free shared living environment where women can focus on stability, healing, and personal growth while working toward independent living.
Sisu Living House is not an emergency shelter or drop-in housing program. Clients participate in a structured community environment that includes:
-program participation
-shared living
-personal goal development
-accountability
-community support
Sisu Living House serves adult women (18+) who are ready to participate in a structured sober and transitional living environment.
We may consider women with children on a case-by-case depending on:
-Current house capacity
-Child safety considerations
-Parent readiness & stability
-Ability to meet program requirements
Acceptance of a mother does not always mean acceptance of a child.
Women with Children – Important Information
While Sisu Living House was created with a heart for women and for women with children (maximum 2 children, ages 0-15 years), we are not always able to accept children immediately.
In some cases, a mother may be accepted first while additional stability steps are completed before a child can join the household.
These steps may include, and are not limited to:
-Having reliable communication (phone)
-A plan for transportation (bus, car, ride share) and school plans
-Demonstrate consistent income / employment
-Complete an adjustment period at Sisu Living House
Bringing a child to the home without prior written approval is not allowed.
Sisu Living House is a fee-based sober and transitional living program.
Clients contribute weekly program fees that help cover housing, utilities, shared supplies, and program operations.
Fees vary based on individual circumstances.
Payment is required at intake and must remain current to maintain program participation.
At this time, we do not offer scholarships or free participation in the Sisu Living House program.
We understand financial hardship and are happy to discuss whether our program is a good fit.
A structured emotional clarity and communication tool developed by Her Sisu LLC.
Designed to help women:
• Prepare for difficult conversations
• Set healthy boundaries
• Regulate before reacting
• Organize life transitions
• Navigate new beginnings
Accessible 24/7.
We operate with honesty and fairness, expecting the same from our clients.
Life at Sisu Living House is built around structure, respect, and personal responsibility.
Clients participate in a shared living environment where everyone contributes to maintaining a peaceful and supportive home.
-A substance-free environment
-Shared household responsibilities
-Participation in house meetings
-Respectful community living
-Structured house expectations
Before you apply – Please Review:
Do you have reliable communication (phone)?
Are you open to structure, guidelines, or shared living?
Do you understand Sisu Living House is not emergency housing?
Are you prepared to contribute financially to your program participation?
Are you willing to complete a full intake and onboarding process?
If your answers are ‘yes‘ to the questions above, please fill out the intake application form below as a step towards a brighter future.
Your donation will provide an opportunity for a woman to receive a scholarship for bed placement and provide basic household supplies.
The origin story of Sisu Living House began with my work as a Neonatal ICU Director, where I often collaborated with social workers to find transitional housing for women in need. Through this work, I became acutely aware of the barriers these women faced. Many times, we struggled to secure the support they needed, and this sparked a passion in me to find a solution.
Fast forward to my own experience with domestic violence, where I faced the challenges of escaping a harmful situation. I was fortunate to have a safe space to return to, and the reality that so many women do not have this same safety weighed heavily on me. It was this experience that deepened my passion and fueled my desire to create a space where women could find refuge and support when they need it most.
This journey led me to establish Her Sisu LLC, where I began creating evidence-based resources to support women on their path to freedom and wholeness. Over time, I felt a calling to expand this vision, and that’s how Sisu Living House was born. The house a safe and transformative space where women, regardless of their need, can receive support to rebuild their lives.
Today, Sisu Living House operates as a structured sober and transitional living program where women are supported with community, accountability, and resources as they rebuild stability and independence. I am deeply grateful to see this vision come to life and to serve the women who walk through our doors.