In 1968, the late Rose Mary Badami began her pursuit of soothing humanity and providing unhoused men and women a second chance at life. That mission, marked by the founding of Magnificat Houses, Inc. (MHI), blossomed into a transformative movement that redefines how the homeless community reintegrates into society. Through providing mental health support, clothing, food, shelter, and more, Rose Mary left a legacy built on dignity and respect, forever engraving her name on the hearts of Houston’s people.
On June 1st, 2024, at 100 years old, Rose Mary passed peacefully in her sleep, bestowing the honor of caring for her Magnificat family to Meredith Vaughan, Executive Director. When Meredith took the reins, she entered a realm where love and support were paramount and where a suite of comprehensive services has been empowering the local community for over five decades.
From its humble beginnings – one property purchased through Rose Mary’s private donations – Magnificat Houses flourished into a beacon of light in Houston. Now, the nonprofit assists unhoused individuals through neighborhood residentials, the Loaves & Fishes soup kitchen, St. Joseph Clubhouse—a Clubhouse International-accredited organization providing free mental health services to all adults with a diagnosis—skills-building training at Moran Center, and an emergency shelter program at multiple residential group homes. Additionally, to promote a sense of belonging and self-worth, MHI provides work opportunities at the Anawim thrift store and the nonprofit’s six-acre farm.
Ignited by the rising homelessness rates in Houston, Meredith announced a 3-year development plan that promises to further propel Magnificat’s mission of social inclusion and empowerment. Central to the strategy is service integration – fusing many parts of MHI under one roof and fostering a self-sustaining community. These efforts will be enriched by biannual fundraising events, educational initiatives, and more work opportunities for Magnificat Houses’ residents.
The planned opening of Rose Mary’s Place in November will spur MHI’s quest to redefine emergency housing. Inspired by Meredith’s experiences with the unsheltered, the new facility, comprising 149 independent units, will mark the beginning of the nonprofit’s efforts to introduce permanent supportive housing. There, 30 units will be designated to house individuals battling with severe health or life issues, 30 will provide shelter to those with mild life issues, and the remaining units will serve those who have overcome life’s barriers.
“For over five decades, we have followed the ‘fair housing model,’ which requires sobriety. At Rose Mary’s Place, we will implement rules that discourage residents from falling back into the shackles of addiction while fostering a culture of dignity and freedom,” Meredith shares. “We’re flipping the script of conventional emergency housing, saving people before they want to save themselves.”
Currently, in the process of securing a 30,000-square-foot building, Meredith envisions a future where MHI’s services work in harmony, creating an environment where unhoused citizens can find work opportunities, mental health assistance, entertainment, and forge meaningful human connections, all within one location. Looking into the future, MHI strives to incorporate free shuttle and van services that break transportation barriers, as well as elevate its offering with a food pantry and other wraparound services.
Magnificat Houses emanates the purest essence of community, extending a helpful hand to unhoused men and women of all backgrounds, beliefs, and struggles. For the nonprofit, solving the homelessness crisis transcends housing; it’s about fostering a supportive community that ignites human flourishing and happiness. “No matter who you are, you are wanted, needed, and valued. Magnificat Houses is a family; here, guests and members work, eat, dine, and play together,” adds Meredith. “We cherish and respect all talents and work preferences, providing the homeless population with more than a lifeline – we integrate them into a caring culture that ignites self-development and unlocks full potential.”
Media Contact
Name: Meredith Vaughan
Email: [email protected]
