Welcoming Women from All Walks of Life 

Providing a Home, Hope, and Healing

In 2009, Becky Weers recognized a growing need to support single, pregnant women who had nowhere to turn. Driven by compassion and a desire to make a difference, Becky founded Welcome House, Inc. to provide a safe place for soon-to-be single mothers. Since then, Welcome House’s objective has evolved. 

Over the years, through intentional conversations with the community, healthcare providers, nonprofits, and law enforcement, Welcome House uncovered an important truth –– while supportive services for single, pregnant women have expanded since 2009, another pressing need has emerged. Many women, especially those transitioning from treatment, incarceration, or other challenging situations, lacked access to safe and supportive housing.

In response, Welcome House took a bold step in 2021 by purchasing a home in Fergus Falls. This new home, named The Barbara House Recovery Home in honor of Otter Tail County resident Barbara Amundson, was established to meet the needs of these women.

The Barbara House is more than just a place to stay –– it provides transitional housing and gives women the resources and support they need on their road to recovery. 

“The philosophy objective is to provide a safe, healthy, family-like, sober environment that supports individuals in their recovery journey,” said Wendy Erlandson, Welcome House Board President. 

The Barbara House welcomed its first residents in the spring of 2023, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of many women.

Services and Resources 

At the heart of The Barbara House’s approach is the belief in the power of connection. Using a social-model approach, the home encourages residents to engage in support groups, participate in decision-making and house governance, share personal recovery experiences to help others, and a plan for recovery living. 

Regardless of their situation, The Barbara House accepts residents with open arms and demonstrates respect, peace, and dignity. The home is for women who are homeless for many reasons such as incarceration, probation, or addiction. 

Beyond giving women a place to live, The Barbara House has many other resources to set its residents up for success in all areas of life including work readiness and placement, mentor networks, spiritual support, financial management, life skills, and much more. 

A Lasting Impact 

The impact of The Barbara House extends far beyond its walls. Sober living housing has proven to benefit the broader community by reducing recidivism and arrest rates, increasing employment and stable housing, and fostering positive health and relationship changes.

Many residents are mothers, and by helping them overcome significant barriers, The Barbara House helps families and the community. 

“The Barbara House board, residents, and mentors are so thankful to have received grants from West Central Initiative’s spring grant round and two of its legacy funds personally endowed by Floyd and Harriet Miller and Inga M. Johnson,” Erlandson said. “This generosity will enable the house to continue to operate and accept residents seeking safe and supportive living, regardless of their ability to pay.” 

The Barbara House has a long-lasting impact on the residents’ lives. With the help of the Barbara House, women are reunited with their children, find employment, pay outstanding fines, gain spiritual support, and find their purpose in life. Women can take these skills to maintain sobriety they learned from the community and sense of family they built throughout their time at The Barbara’s House. 

“Thank you for such a beautiful blessing,” Erlandson said.