After closing its maternity home in 2008 because of the recession, Breath of Life Maternity Ministries plans to reopen Sarah's House in Austin in late July.

“We’re rebuilding,” founder Jeannine Floores said.

The house will be located in Central Austin to serve women in the greater Austin area. Breath of Life’s office is located at 13170-G Pond Springs Road, Ste. 7, in Northwest Austin.

Floores said the nonprofit needs donations to help fill the house. Items needed include housewares, dishes, lamps, pantry staples, towels and sheets. A king- or queen-size bed is also needed as well as maternity clothes and diapers. Donations may be dropped off at Breath of Life’s office.

Sarah’s House is for women age 18 and older who are in need of a place to stay after finding out they are pregnant. The home will open the week of July 20 in a temporary location and move to a permanent location in about a month.

“[The home] is really family-style oriented,” she said. “It becomes a home to them.”

Floores founded Breath of Life in 2000, and Sarah’s House operated from 2001-08. The home was named after the daughter Floores gave up for adoption after she found herself pregnant at a young age. She now has two sons, one of whom is adopted, and Floores said being both a birth mother and adoptive mother provides her with a unique perspective to help other women.

During the time Sarah’s House was closed, Floores said the nonprofit focused on its Loving Hearts Christian Adoption services. Breath of Life also connects women with housing and provides them with resources and support in making decisions on parenting and adoption.

For more information about making a donation or volunteer opportunities, call 512-219-8322 or visit www.breathoflifesite.org.