More than affordable housing.

Palaver House is a co-living place where culture, healing, and community converge to support a transformative journey.

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PALAVER HOUSE PROGRAM

It takes enormous support and perseverance to move on from the past.

It’s overwhelming to change your life when the system is stacked against you. This is a reality for Black and Indigenous people who are disproportionately impacted by systemic inequalities, crime, violence, and victimization.

Even with resources and programs to help, making a lasting lifestyle change calls for emotional preparation and culturally-relevant support.

That’s where the Palaver House comes in.

More than a co-living community, the Palaver House serves Black and Indigenous members who are looking to transition into community and rebuild their lives after adversity. Through connection to a deeper community, they find belonging, build skills, and begin to build new hope for their own futures.

These are the supports that lead to real, lasting change.

Building a new life isn’t easy, especially with racially-specific barriers to overcome. With your help, we can better equip those who desire to make that change.

PALAVER HOUSE PROGRAM

Where housing, community, and care converge.

When people come to the Palaver House, they find a welcoming community that empowers them to contribute positively to their communities, fostering resilience, respect, and mutual understanding among all community members.

The Palaver House serves:

Justice-Involved Individuals
  • Life Skills Training
  • Educational Programs
  • Employment Assistance
  • Housing Assistance
  • Trauma Treatment
Individuals Without a Home
  • Bridge before returning to the community
  • AA/NA classes
  • Educational Workshops
  • Relapse Prevention Training
  • Ongoing Support and Aftercare
People who have Completed Substance Abuse Treatment
  • Life Skills Training
  • Educational Programs
  • Employment Assistance
  • Housing Assistance
  • Trauma Treatment
People who have Mild Behavioral Health Disorders
  • Counseling Services
  • Support Groups
  • Stress Management Programs
  • Lifestyle Coaching

THE PALAVER CONCEPT

Rooted in ancestral and spiritual traditions

Bridging ancestral conflict resolution methods and modern therapeutic practices

For many Black people seeking connections with our ancestral ties to West African societies, the values and principles of palaver are not foreign concepts. These traditions, forcibly suppressed and nearly erased through the brutalities of slavery, are now being reclaimed and revived. They are awakening a fundamental part of the cultural heritage and collective consciousness of our Black communities, restoring through the Palaver House what was once violently stripped away.

Integrating the ancestral Palaver principles respects the cultural heritage of Black residents, providing them with a sense of belonging and identity as they transition back into society.

This approach not only addresses immediate issues but also supports broader healing and reintegration by reinforcing cultural connections and affirming individual identities within the community.

A place of healing

Changing lives and the community

Room and board in co-living style

Fostering a sense of belonging and stability from day one

Palaver Restorative Sessions:

Culturally-rooted communication and mediation sessions emphasizing mutual responsibility, conflict moderation, and collective well-being

Mentorship from folks with real lived experience

Mentors who have walked the same path and turned their lives around

Restorative practices, as opposed to punitive

Life coaches support and stick with our members, building trust through the inevitable ups and downs they face on their path to a new life.

Trauma-informed programming

Along with access to specialized trauma treatment through partnerships with culturally-competent organizations

Everything under one roof

The Palaver House model includes:

Affordable housing

Empowering residents to save for future independent living

Co-living style rooms and meals

Fostering a sense of belonging and stability from day one

24/7 Life Coaches

Helping members with life skills and re-integrating into society without stigma

Mandatory responsibilities and community giving

Emphasizing reciprocity and collective well-being

Re-building relationship skills

Culturally-rooted communication and mediation sessions that create new conflict-management and relationship skills

Specialized trauma treatment

Through partnerships with culturally-competent organizations

On-site community support hub

One-stop support center for seamless access to comprehensive housing placement and other reentry services

Our stories of change

16,000 lives transformed by PHA programs.

“My life is different because I’m got a better perspective on life and feel very proud of myself because the things I’ve accomplished in such a short amount of time. And that is because I know I have support in my corner.”
– H. J.

“I felt everything I wanted to accomplish would be nearly impossible especially with someone of my background. I was very unorganized and unprepared for everything.
[Now] my life is great… I feel more confident and know that I can do anything regardless of what my past is or where I come from. I feel like I am far exceeding my own expectations and know this is only the beginning.”
– S. S.

“I no longer think of myself as the person who was released from prison, but now I’m the father of a daughter, the brother to siblings, the uncle to nephews and nieces, a friend to people and most importantly the husband to an amazing wife.”
– C. L

Success and dignity for all

We can do more good when we do it together.

At Palaver House, we are designed to serve Black and Indigenous individuals because these communities have been disproportionately affected by systemic injustices and face unique challenges during reentry. Our programs are designed to address these specific barriers, fostering empowerment and support tailored to their needs.

While we focus on these communities, we warmly welcome individuals of any ethnicity and/or race who are committed to being a part of this transformative journey. Together, we strive to create a supportive environment that champions the success and dignity of every member.

Donate

Your financial support helps create a safer, more hope-full community for everyone.

Volunteer

By sharing your time with our members, you inspire hope and create change.

Partner

We're excited to partner with legislators and those serving Black and Brown communities.

Your help makes it possible.

Your donation today helps individuals succeed against the odds.

Support the Palaver House