FAQs
Ella’s House is designed to be a place of refuge during one of the most challenging times in a woman’s life. Ella’s House is a comprehensive residential respite for pregnant women. We believe the first step to helping someone is to surround them with love and dignity. This is not a task we take on lightly, rather we strive each day to walk with women as they create a beautiful future for themselves and their child.
At Ella’s House, we uphold our core values of providing holistic help to balance education, health, and family.
We are centrally located in the heart of Nashville’s collegiate neighborhoods. We took great care in choosing a house located in a safe neighborhood and close to amenities. We do not publicly disclose our physical address in order to maintain the privacy and safety of our residents.
There is no cost to live at The Nest. While residing in our residential community, Ella’s House provides housing, utilities, basic groceries, and a range of support services so scholars can focus on earning their degree and caring for their child. Scholars are responsible for their own educational expenses, such as tuition, fees, and books.
As scholars progress and transition into The Bridge, our next-step housing program, they begin contributing a percentage of their rent while continuing to receive support from Ella’s House. This gradual transition helps scholars build financial independence and prepare for long-term success after graduation.
Ella’s House exists to support pregnant collegiate women regardless of their ultimate choice. Sometimes deciding what to do about an unplanned pregnancy is easy–other times, it’s difficult and complicated. You are welcome to our support, community, and love no matter what decision you make.
Yes! For more information, send us an email.
Ella’s House welcomes any mom regardless of religious affiliation. We are not a faith based-organization.
Yes, we are registered with the State of Tennessee as a 501-c3 non-profit organization.
After filling out our online form, a staff member will contact you to set up a meeting. In addition, we require transcripts from your college and eligibility signed by your physician.
We partner with trusted and vetted volunteers to provide limited childcare onsite. We also partner with select local childcare facilities.
Title IX ensures that any university that receives federal funding cannot discriminate against students who are pregnant and/or parenting. This means that all schools must give pregnant and parenting students the same access to school programs and educational opportunities that are available to other students. It also means professors and administrators cannot influence pregnant or parenting students to alter their educational plans due to their added responsibilities (*information from A Better Balance).
For more information regarding your rights as a pregnant or parenting student, contact your school’s Title IX Coordinator or click here. If you are a student-athlete, visit NCAA’s website for information pertaining specifically to you.
Raising a child being 19, single, and in college is the most controversial thing I’ve ever decided to do. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. And it will also be the most rewarding.