YWCA seeks items for housing program

Van Wert independent/YWCA information

The YWCA is in need of donated items for the Transitional Living Program. The YWCA of Van Wert County Transitional Living Program is the primary comprehensive transitional program in Van Wert, Mercer, and Paulding counties providing women and women with children who are homeless with safe, housing and support. The YWCA works with each resident to develop the confidence and skills necessary to achieve the highest possible level of independence.

This program is tailored to the needs of each person and may range from a stay of a few months to a maximum length of 18 months. The YWCA Transitional Housing Program serves women, and women with children with incomes at or below 35% of area median incomes.  Women served typically exhibit multiple challenges that make permanent housing difficult to achieve, and represent all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds. The YWCA Transitional Living Program recognizes the need to offer comprehensive services and housing to women in varied circumstances; the YWCA provides individualized case management for women in crisis from loss of employment and other circumstances.

The YWCA is always seeking ways to encourage positive life changes through emotional support, individualized case management, and structured programs that focus on education, employment, life management, and personal growth. The goal of the YWCA Transitional Living Program is to make available to participants the skills and tools they need to live independently, specifically to attain and maintain a permanent residence and an income.

The YWCA Transitional Living Program relies heavily on donations from local organizations and community members to help with the needs of families and individuals in the program. At this time the YWCA’s supplies are very low and are in need of donations. Unfortunately, the YWCA is in constant need of: toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, dish soap, body wash, hand soap, garbage bags, assorted cleaning supplies and toiletries.

Those interested in donating a bed or other items or who are in need of assistance can contact Jamie Evans, YWCA housing director, at 419.238.6639.

The YWCA is a not-for-profit organization supported by United Way and The Van Wert County Foundation.