As their name suggests, the Homeless Prenatal Program, based in the city’s Potrero Hill neighborhood, helps pregnant homeless women and their families.

Primarily, HPP provides housing assistance and substance abuse recovery to 2,600 families, although other services vary from family violence prevention to ESL classes to tax preparation.

In recovery-speak, the decision for an addict to end the cycle starts with what is called “a moment of clarity.”

For most of HPP’s clients, that moment occurs when they become pregnant.

“We try to capitalize the moment one is motivated to go into treatment,” said executive director Martha Ryan, who founded HPP in 1989. “This is especially important for a pregnant mother because we have two lives at risk.”

Almost all children born to clients are healthy and drug-free, according to a New York Times profile on HPP. Ryan attributes such success to the efforts of her staff, many of whom shared experiences similar to their clients. This rapport makes it easier for a mother to get healthy, end an abusive relationship, and find housing.

“They approach the clients in a nonjudgmental way,” Ryan said. “Because of their life experiences, [they] are able to create a trusting relationship.”

Budget cuts would mean laying off staff. To Ryan, fewer staff equals fewer services available to clients and, ultimately, a greater burden to the Department of Public Health.

Part of the increased human cost would include hospitalizing premature and addicted babies would increase, she said.

“The cost is much greater than treatment and staying housed,” Ryan said.

TJ

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