FROM THE CEO’S DESK

Supportive

Domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women. Other times, women become homeless in the aftermath of poverty from catastrophic life events or addiction.

We can safely say homelessness is always tied to trauma, and survivors face a cascade of challenges that take time to overcome.

This rebuilding time is available to survivors who live in YWCA supportive housing. Here, women greatly improve in health, financial security, and life successes - each accomplishment laying the foundation for the next. It goes without saying, life is immeasurably better for their children, too.

Supportive housing is also a good deal for our community. It cuts financial burden on hospitals, shelters, and emergency agencies; it improves employability; it reduces crime that’s sometimes a vulnerable person’s last-ditch effort to survive.

According to a recent study:

• About 80% of the costs for supportive housing are offset in the first 18 months.

• In this time, emergency department visits are lowered by 80%.

• Probability of employment is increased by 24%.*

Everyone wins when survivors heal and reconnect to the community that supported them.

The one- to four-bedroom apartments at Lantern Light will be home for around 60 adults and children when the residence opens in the fall of 2023.

If you’re interested in learning more, including the opportunity for a private “hard hat tour” during the construction of Lantern Light, we’re here at 701-232-2547 to help put your compassion into action.

Erin Prochnow CEO, YWCA Cass Clay

Source: “Housing the Homeless: The Effect of Housing Assistance on Recidivism to Homelessness, Economic, and Social Outcomes” Elior Cohen, October 2020