THE HOMELESS PRENATAL PROGRAM - A MODEL FOR EMPOWERING HOMELESS PREGNANT-WOMEN

The Homeless Prenatal Program (HPP) is one of the first programs in th e country to provide comprehensive prenatal services to homeless pregn ant women. A formative evaluation was conducted in 1992, indicating th at HPP is achieving its program goals of improving birth outcomes and transforming the lives of its clients. Results of the qualitative eval uation are presented, including HPP's service model and approach to em powerment. In this model, empowerment has two central tenets, derived from the special needs of women who are pregnant and homeless: the ''m other-child connection,'' and the principle of ''giving back.''