Since 2009, pastor Andreas Calbazar has been temporarily housing newly separated fathers in a home in the Swiss village of Erlenbach. Cabalzar began this project when he was approached by four local men, all of whom needed a temporary place to stay after splitting up with their wives.  Today, Cabalzar runs a shelter with room for three newly single men, as well as two bedrooms for visiting children.

Most men stay no longer than a few weeks, and during that time, Cabalzar works with the men to help them maintain a consistent relationship with their kids while they transition into new, more permanent homes.  He also says that the small group atmosphere functions like a support group, and gives the residents an opportunity to reflect on their recent split.

Notes Cabalzar of his program:  “there is a commitment to the children and a reliable relationship must be kept. The children need to have a positive picture of their parents.”

Cabalzar is certainly on to something.  The departure of one parent from the family home, especially when abrupt, can be very disruptive to that parent’s relationship with a child.  This is especially true when the departing parent’s transitional home is not particularly appropriate for visiting with the children – such as when the parent has nowhere else to go but a friend’s couch, a small motel room, or the home of a family member who lives a considerable distance from the children.

Temporary housing like that offered by Cabalzar, then, could be a good option for parents who want to maintain consistent contact with their children while they work on establishing a new, more permanent residence.  And, the holistic approach Cabalzar takes to his mission (he works with the men’s lawyers, marriage counselors and other involved professionals)  could help many families navigate the initial stages of a divorce more smoothly.  While the services offered by Cabalzar’s organization are only available in Switzerland, his ideas are certainly worthy of wider application.