Our Lens
Data shows that racism and homelessness are deeply connected. Generations of wealth stripped from Black and Brown communities mean that, in times of crisis, people of color do not have the same resources to fall back on that white people often have. Racial disparities in homelessness do NOT represent an individual’s failure to thrive, rather, they are rather a symptom of systemic racism.
The YWCA believes in a world where homelessness is rare and brief, where no child is without shelter and no family without support. Our team works with program participants to identify their goals and to overcome their unique obstacles to housing. YWCA Greater Cleveland is dedicating to increasing our community’s understanding of how racism and sexism contribute to women’s homelessness. Our programs are trauma-informed, and staff has regular training in trauma-informed care. Many of the social services we provide to our guests are not mandatory, yet participation is high, which demonstrates our commitment to highly engaging, client-focused, programming.
Our Programs
Trauma-Informed Early Learning Center for Families in Homelessness:
Our Trauma-Informed TwoGenerational Early Learning Center meets the needs of families with young children who have experienced homelessness or other significant trauma. The Early Learning Center is a Step Up to Quality Five-Star rated early learning center and emphasizes trauma-informed, self-determination and a no expulsion policy.
Nurturing Independence and Aspiration (NIA):
NIA is our trauma-informed, highly personalized, participant-centered model of support services and case management for current and past participants of YWCA programs.
Independence Place (IP):
IP is a 23-unit permanent supportive housing program for homeless young adults aged 18 to 24, the majority of whom have been involved in child welfare or aged out of foster care.
Cogswell Hall:
Cogswell Hall is a 41-unit permanent solution to homelessness through quality, low-income housing and highly personal trauma-informed services that build community, advocate for disabled and economically disadvantaged individuals, and engage tenants in stability-building activities.
Norma Herr Women’s Center:
YWCA’s Norma Herr Women’s Center provides immediate, low-barrier shelter and support for housing stability for women experiencing homelessness.
A Place 4 Me (AP4M):
AP4M is a county-wide public/private community collaborative established to lead and coordinate efforts to end youth homeless by improving outcomes for youth. AP4M also manages direct youth-support projects that span the needs of youth from across the AP4M partner organizations.