RIGHT TO - YWCA USA

4
empowering
women and girls
Transitional and Affordable Housing
When the YWCA began, its primary objective was to provide housing for rural
women who came to St. Louis for the 1904 World’s Fair. More than 100 years later,
the YWCA continues to provide safe, affordable housing and an array of additional
services for homeless women. The Phyllis Wheatley Transitional Housing Program
(THP) offers a stable environment and intensive supportive services for up to two
years, enabling participants to become self-sufficient and economically stable for
transitioning into sustainable permanent housing.
The YWCA also addresses the lack of affordable housing, the leading cause of homelessness
nationally. The renovated Phyllis Wheatley complex, at 2709-11 Locust St.,
offers 33 affordable one- and two-bedroom apartments for individuals and families.
Highlights:
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The Annual Recognition event, held during National Homeless
Awareness Week in November honored 13 women for their successful
completion of the program marking substantial achievements that
included employment, debt reduction, financial stability and transition
into permanent housing.
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Collectively, the 13 women eliminated barriers to permanent housing
by reducing $9,665 in debts, including utility and landlord judgments,
bank debt and outstanding court fees.
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All 13 opened and maintained savings accounts to better manage emergencies
and to build resources for transitioning into permanent housing.
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Each employment retention averaged 15 months.
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One THP participant sustained employment for more than 15 months
and eliminated more than $1,500 in debt, paving the way for her to
transition into permanent housing. In addition, she completed the
Grace Hill Women’s Business classes, registered her home healthcare
company with the state of Missouri, and is now working with the Small
Business Administration on securing a loan to open her own business.
Her goal is to employ homeless women, providing this population
with economic and employment opportunities.
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Twenty program participants completed a financial literacy seminar
series presented by the Wells Fargo Advisors St. Louis Women’s Team
Member Network.
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Phyllis Wheatley Apartment tenants benefitted from personal and
professional support services such as career/educational counseling
and budgeting in a recession.
2010 REPORT TO THE COMMUN