Transitional Housing at YWCA of Fort Dodge
Sets Homeless on the Path to Self-sufficiency

"Mary" and YWCA Director Ann Davidson

New funding received by the transitional housing program at the YWCA of Fort Dodge has helped to provide critical services for homeless women and women with children. Transitional housing provides a safe and supportive living environment while the residents receive training, find jobs and transportation, and get the pieces of their live back together. Recent remodeling at the YWCA also made available private bedrooms for residents while they share kitchens, bathrooms and lounge areas with other residents going through the Independence Means Persons Achieving Control Today (IMPACT) program. IMPACT is more than emergency shelter because it offers housing plus Case Managers who work with each woman individually to set attainable goals while resolving issues that have prevented self-sufficiency and obtaining or maintaining permanent housing.

The story of Mary (not her real name) provides a typical example of the essential services provided at the YWCA. Mary hitch-hiked with her ex-boyfriend to Fort Dodge from the South. After arriving in Fort Dodge, Mary realized her boyfriend enabled her dependencies and abused Mary. Shortly afterwards, she found herself at the steps of the YWCA. Fortunately, there was help available to her that had never been available to her before. Many communities lack such supportive services. Now, after less than three years, Mary has become a contributing woman: she left the YWCA's shelter, but now returns each day as an employee. She has her own apartment, but returns each week to the YWCA to attend self-sufficiency meetings. She has mended bridges with her children and is building relations with her teenage daughter. While the path to recovery and self-sufficiency is long, looking at Mary's picture, anyone can see that she is well on her way.