Change’s Makers: Erin Marrero

By creating housing and educational services for women at a transitional phase in life, Phoenix Project Nola offers the opportunity for a fresh start in a stable home environment. The tiny house program allows participants to live in a home for one year. Afterward, they have the option to buy it and become a homeowner. Meanwhile, the program’s educational initiative provides resources on career building and personal finance. 

St. Charles Avenue spoke with founder and executive director Erin Marrero, who shared her inspiration for this unique approach to creating more accessible housing.

Inspired by her mother’s work with the Catholic Charities homeless prevention program, Erin Marrero wanted to care for others in a similar way. She decided to create transitional housing for women (particularly mothers) in need. She saw tremendous potential in the use of tiny houses. 

Later on, Phoenix Project Nola expanded to include educational and job readiness skills for those in the program as well.

Read the full story at City Business / Change’s Makers: Erin Marrero