The lack of affordable housing remains a daunting challenge facing women and children we serve. There are long waiting lists for subsidized housing and <strong>the</strong> eligibility requirements are stringent. The <strong>YWCA</strong> Housing Programs offer women and children <strong>the</strong> opportunity to transition from homelessness to stable housing and independence by providing housing and supportive services beyond <strong>the</strong> shelter. The <strong>YWCA</strong> <strong>Cass</strong> <strong>Clay</strong> was one of <strong>the</strong> fi rst organizations in North Dakota to offer transitional housing, and is <strong>the</strong> only program in <strong>the</strong> area that provides <strong>the</strong>se services specifi cally for women and children. Studies conducted on <strong>the</strong> topic of homelessness have shown that families must have housing before <strong>the</strong>y can address <strong>the</strong> factors that contributed to <strong>the</strong>m becoming homeless (City of Fargo 10-Year Plan). <strong>YWCA</strong> Housing Programs include a full range of supportive services for women and children once <strong>the</strong>y are in stable housing: advocacy, fi nancial assistance with rent/utilities, transportation, and childcare. Goals are developed by <strong>the</strong> women, with guidance from housing advocates, and monitored over <strong>the</strong> course of <strong>the</strong>ir involvement in <strong>the</strong> program. Women and children are referred to appropriate resources in <strong>the</strong> community based on <strong>the</strong>ir individual needs. Transitional Housing Transitional Housing (TH) is an empowering next step beyond <strong>the</strong> Emergency Shelter for women and BY THE NUMBERS 48 women and children lived in TH units 9,840 nights of housing were provided to TH participants 68% of participants obtained permanent housing within 24 months of program entrance 70% of participants increased <strong>the</strong>ir education and/or income level 69% of participants improved <strong>the</strong>ir physical/mental health children needing additional support to overcome barriers to independence. The TH program provides secure, affordable housing and helps women develop <strong>the</strong> skills and confi dence to become self-reliant and independent. Women and <strong>the</strong>ir children may participate in <strong>the</strong> TH program for up to two years. Transitional Housing emphasizes <strong>the</strong> use of supportive housing as a means to assist low-income women and children break <strong>the</strong> cycle of poverty. Housing advocates help women recognize and build on <strong>the</strong>ir strengths, and provide opportunities to obtain independence through a wide variety of supportive programs and services ei<strong>the</strong>r offered directly by <strong>the</strong> <strong>YWCA</strong>, or in coordination with o<strong>the</strong>r community agencies. " After we lived at <strong>the</strong> shelter, we moved into transitional housing; now my mom is so happy. I love my apartment, and I live close to so many friends. Things are better now and I think that we will all be okay. -D., Transitional Housing Participant " Housing Programs Justice Department Transitional Housing - Preventative Services Justice Department Transitional Housing For <strong>the</strong> past six years, <strong>the</strong> <strong>YWCA</strong> has offered affordable housing options specifi cally to women and children who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault through support of <strong>the</strong> U.S. Department of Justice Violence Against Women Transitional Housing Assistance Grant Program (JDTH). The program helps promote economic advancement by offering advocacy, counseling and o<strong>the</strong>r support services including budgeting, counseling, and substance abuse treatment options to enhance <strong>the</strong> survivor's ability to maintain independent living and successfully integrate into <strong>the</strong> community. Assistance is provided for up to 24 months and additional follow-up programming is available. The <strong>YWCA</strong> works collaboratively with <strong>the</strong> Rape and Abuse Crisis Center of Fargo-Moorhead and <strong>the</strong> Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority to offer <strong>the</strong>se services. This project was supported by Grant Numbers 2007-WH-AX-0050 and 2009-EH-S6-0021 awarded by <strong>the</strong> Offi ce of Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, fi ndings, conclusions and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of <strong>the</strong> author(s) and do not necessarily refl ect <strong>the</strong> views of <strong>the</strong> Department of Justice, Offi ce of Violence Against Women. " My family and I have never been happier. -L., JDTH Participant " BY THE NUMBERS 55 women and children lived in all JDTH units 10,425 nights of housing were provided to all JDTH participants 956 case management hours were provided to all JDTH participants Permanent Supportive Housing BY THE NUMBERS 18 women and children lived in PSH units 5,276 nights of housing were provided to PSH participants 100% of participants maintained permanent housing 71% of participants increased <strong>the</strong>ir education and/or income level 89% of participants improved <strong>the</strong>ir physical/mental health Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) is very similar to Transitional Housing in its overall philosophy and approach, but is an option for women and families in need of longer-range assistance and support; many of whom are considered chronically homeless. The federal defi nition characterizes a chronically homeless person as ei<strong>the</strong>r “an individual with a disabling condition who has been continuously homeless for a year or more or an individual who has had at least four episodes of homelessness in <strong>the</strong> past three years.” PSH offers long-term housing and stability to women and children who might o<strong>the</strong>rwise move from shelter to shelter or program to program. With <strong>the</strong> continued support and advocacy through PSH, <strong>the</strong>se families are better able to achieve independence. Homeless Prevention & Rapid Re-Housing The <strong>YWCA</strong> <strong>Cass</strong> <strong>Clay</strong> continues to provide homeless prevention and re-housing, to assist individuals and families with short-term rental assistance, housing searches, security and utility deposits, utility payments, moving expenses and supportive case management. The most signifi cant impact of this program has been preventing homelessness before it happens. Families are able to remain in <strong>the</strong>ir own housing and, as a result, <strong>the</strong>se families avert seeking services from local shelters. The <strong>YWCA</strong> will continue to advocate and support future legislation geared toward preventing homelessness. O<strong>the</strong>r Emergency Assistance Food, clothing, and personal supplies (diapers, shampoo, soap, feminine products, bedding, and school supplies) are provided for area residents. This includes serving members of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Cass</strong> and <strong>Clay</strong> communities not needing housing services, but seeking assistance. The <strong>YWCA</strong> is able to provide <strong>the</strong>se families with basic supplies to help <strong>the</strong>m make ends meet and remain in <strong>the</strong>ir own home. BY THE NUMBERS 58 individuals (28 households) were served in all programs of HPRP 73% of individuals over <strong>the</strong> last three years were able to maintain permanent housing without fur<strong>the</strong>r subsidy BY THE NUMBERS 7,370 individuals received food boxes, many of whom are one paycheck away from homelessness