IN CRISIS?

Eliminating Homelessness

Are you at risk of becoming homeless?

All referrals to the YWCA Elyria homelessness programs come through Lorain County Coordinated Entry. Call Lorain County Coordinated Entry at (440) 242-0455 to begin the process. 

YWCA Elyria offers both Transitional Housing and Permanent Housing for women between 18 and 60 years of age who are homeless or at immediate risk of becoming homeless. Click on the button below to call the Lorain County Coordinated Entry to get started, and learn more about our housing options below.

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING

Women’s Campus Project

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

  • Between 18 and 60 years of age

  • Referred through Lorain County Coordinated Entry

  • Homeless or at immediate risk of becoming homeless

  • Physically and emotionally able and willing to participate in education, job training and employment

  • Motivated to make positive changes

  • Able to function independently

  • Not actively abusing drugs/alcohol. Participants in the project will demonstrate a strong commitment to make changes in their lives and seek professional help for serious personal problems. Participants must also be responsible about following a goal plan and devote a minimum of 40 hours a week toward attending school, actively seeking employment or community service, and must be evaluated regularly by staff.

The Elyria YWCA operates the Women’s Campus Project (WCP), the first transitional housing project for homeless women in Lorain County. The project provides transitional housing in several homes owned by the YWCA.

Transitional housing is the bridge from homelessness to permanence. The building blocks of this bridge are supportive services, goal setting and time to carry out those goals. The journey to cross this bridge begins when a woman is ready to make a commitment to change her life.

The Women’s Campus Project (WCP) is an opportunity for single women and single female heads of household that are homeless to enter into a process of self discovery and growth that will enable them to become self-sufficient, productive citizens. The program goes beyond providing basic needs. It addresses the personal issues that have caused each woman to be without a home. With help from staff and up to eight months in the residence, each participant has the opportunity for change.

A variety of activities, programs, speakers and workshops are offered to help participants learn to overcome barriers, build self-esteem and deal with their personal issues. Some of the topics that will be addressed are parenting skills, budgeting, education, job readiness, food preparation, self defense and abuse.

PERMANENT HOUSING

Women in Secure Housing

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

  • Physical and/or mental disability

  • Between 18 and 60 years of age

  • Homeless or at immediate risk of becoming homeless

  • Referred through Lorain County Coordinated Entry

  • Motivated to make positive changes

  • Able to function independently

  • Not actively abusing drugs/alcohol. Participants in the project will demonstrate a strong commitment to make changes in their lives and seek professional help for serious personal problems.

downtown lorain

Women In Secure Housing (WISH) is a 14-unit apartment building in downtown Lorain. It provides permanent supportive housing for women with disabilities.

Disabilities may include former long-term drug or alcohol use and mental and physical disability.

Residents at the facility are governed by Landlord Tenant Laws and may reside in their units permanently. A Program Manager is on site to provide wrap around services upon request. The facility is located in downtown Lorain — residents are encouraged to volunteer at area businesses where appropriate. Both WISH and WCP are designed to create a shared vision of peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people.

Permanent housing is the final link to ending the cycle of chronic homelessness. We strive to create a supportive housing environment that fosters independence. We are committed to working cooperatively with the many public and private agencies serving people with special needs, to ensure that quality housing and supportive services are provided.

DONATIONS ALWAYS NEEDED

  • Furniture and Miscellaneous

    • Full size beds and mattresses

    • Full size bedding

    • Small desks and bookcases for bedrooms

    • Small dressers and nightstands for bedrooms

    • Small chairs for bedrooms

    • Mirrors

    • Replacement furniture to provide a warm and inviting atmosphere

    • Patio furniture

    • Plant stands

    • Small lamps

    • Card tables

    • Microwave

    Call to Donate

  • Household Items

    • Pots, pans and casserole dishes

    • Dishes and glasses

    • Silverware and cooking utensils

    • Food storage containers

    • Coffee makers and filters

    • Vacuum cleaners and vacuum cleaner bags

    • Laundry baskets and hampers

    • Towels and wash cloths

    • Plastic wrap and foil

    • Blankets

    • Refrigerators

    • Stoves

    • Washers and dryers

    Call to Donate

  • Hygiene and Health

    • Bath soap

    • Shampoo and conditioner

    • Disposable razors

    • Toothpaste and toothbrushes

    • Deodorant

    • Skin lotion

    • Band-Aids, first aid kits, thermometers

    • Rubbing alcohol, Peroxide, Neosporin

    • Sanitary napkins and tampons

    • African American hair care products

    • Perfume

    • Gas cards

    Call to Donate