Transitional Housing Program
The YWCA Transitional Housing Program offers a place for women to stay temporarily. The program provides a transitional home where a woman is given the time needed to become responsible and independent.
Women of all ages have used this program. They have come in for a variety of reasons and needs. Some women cannot afford any other residence. This may be because they have only-part time jobs or are inadequately employed. In some cases, family members have abandoned the women, and they have nowhere else to go. Many times the women have been battered and abused at home. Some of the women may be undergoing substance abuse treatment. The women set specific goals, and once the goals are achieved, they move on to a permanent living situation.
To participate in the program, the women must:
- Be 18 years or older with no children in their immediate care
- Complete an application form and have a face-to-face interview with the Residential Director
- Provide references
- Be working at least part-time (or have some form of stable income such as social security) and provide proof of employment or attending school or vocational training
At the time a woman is admitted into the program, she must pay two weeks of rent in advance ($55 per week) and bring her own toiletries. She is also responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of her own room.
Locations:
The residence is located in the YWCA Downtown Center at 420 West Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, TN. Its central location in downtown Knoxville makes it easy and accessible for women looking for employment opportunities. Also, various other support services such as public transportation are readily available.
Whatever the reason for a women’s stay, the goal of the residence program is to provide women with worry-free and affordable transitional housing. During this time, the resident is expected to complete a program with the Residential Director and counselors that will eventually empower her to be self-sufficient and enterprising.
Support to the YWCA Transitional Housing Program comes from Mount Rest Home Foundation Fund of East Tennessee Foundation. www.easttennesseefoundation.org