HomePlace for Families

We know that African American mothers and babies face alarming rates of death and morbidity, and that these health disparities are just the beginning along a continuum of disparate social outcomes connected to historical and present-day systemic racism and trauma. African American birthing mothers and babies experience significantly worse outcomes compared to White families.

Maternal death

African American mothers are 3.5 times more likely to experience maternal death.

Infant death

African American babies are 2.3 times more likely to die within their first year.

Depression

African American mothers are 50% more likely to experience postpartem depression.

HomePlace family

It doesn't have to be this way.

With healing and support rooted in community, African American mothers can reduce their stress. With education and engagement, fathers and family members can be healing partners right in the home. Through collaboration with trusted providers, responsive care will save lives and help African American babies start out in wholeness. 

Evidence says that connection and belonging are solutions to reduce the chronic stress of racism and poverty. And a reduction in stress creates conditions for well-being, which means fewer high risk pregnancies. 

Research

Our Vision

We surround families with culturally-rooted healing, connection, and access to responsive care.

As we engage families with holistic and healing solutions, we support preventive practices in collaboration with responsive providers. We provide doulas (birth coaches), parenting education, peer support, therapy and other practical resources. We will continue to support families through the first year of an infant’s life to ensure a healthy start.  With a love-in-action framework, we provide care and support day-to-day success in practical ways. 

Our Solutions

What's next

Piloting in 2025. Launching next year.

We are currently working with families in a pilot program while we plan to open our doors at our Northside Healing Space location in North Minneapolis in 2026. We are part of the Birth Justice Collaborative and have been generously supported by Hennepin County and the State of Minnesota to develop our model.

Pilot and Launch

I feel so hopeful because I’ve received incredible support in my pregnancy from people I trust. Having a doula that shares my background was so comforting. We were able to give our baby a healthy start. From here, with the support of HomePlace, I feel ready for the parenting journey.
― Ellese, HomePlace pilot program participant