Who are we?

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, located in Raleigh, NC, is a sober and transitional home dedicated to supporting women. We provide a safe and structured community environment where women can heal, grow, and rebuild their lives.

 

We are not an emergency shelter or a drop-in housing program. Clients are accepted based on application, readiness, & availability.

Who do we serve?

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, 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.

Program Costs & Financial Expectations

Sisu Living House is a fee-based 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 / day of arrival.

 

At this time we do not offer scholarships or free housing.

 

We understand financial hardship and are happy to discuss whether our program is a good fit.

Why Choose Us

Why Sisu Living House Is Your Best Choice

  • Complete Support: From your first day at Sisu Living House, our team is here to guide you during your period of transitional living.
  • Community Living: Build lasting connections and receive encouragement from peers who understand your journey.
  • Proven Principles: Our foundation of personal responsibility, and respect for dignity shapes a safe and positive environment.
  • Resource Access: Convenient access to local resources like transportation, churches, and grocery stores ensures you have everything you need.

We operate with honesty and fairness, expecting the same from our clients.

Our Core Beliefs

Core Benefits at Sisu Living House

At Sisu Living House, we are dedicated to providing more than just a transitional living space; we offer a transformative experience to support each woman’s individual goals.

Integrity

We operate with honesty and fairness.

Understanding and empathy are at the heart of our approach. Click on the word ‘Compassion’ to listen to a client’s testimonial.

Dedication

We are committed to the long-term success and well-being of our clients.

Respect

Every individual is treated with dignity and respect, without exception.

Empowering New Beginnings

Ready to Start Your New Beginning with Us?

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 stay?

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.

We Welcome Donations.

Your donation will provide an opportunity for a woman to receive a scholarship for bed placement and provide basic household supplies.

Meet The Founder

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. Sisu Living House empowers new beginnings, giving women the tools and resources to heal, grow, and live their lives with dignity and independence. I am deeply grateful to see this vision come to life and to serve the women who walk through our doors.