HISTORY

In 1883, the YWCA opened its first housing program in Lexington Street House that could serve six women. That tradition of providing quality housing services continues today.

PHILOSOPHY

Families come to the YWCA Housing Programs for a variety of reasons. Some have lost their jobs, others have been victims of violence, some are recovering from an illness and still others are struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues. They all share in the desire that they want to rebuild their lives.

The YWCA housing programs are more than a place to come in from the elements. It is a place for regrouping, rediscovering strengths, and reclaiming hope. They are a way station on the road to a permanent home. The mission of the YWCA Housing Programs is to offer an array of programs and support services that help residents gain the employment, educational and life skills that will empower them to recover their lost independence. The YWCA Housing Programs are committed to:

• the empowerment of their residents;
• the belief that persons have dignity and basic human rights, including a right to privacy; and
• assisting residents' efforts to re-establish self-sufficiency and independence.

The program seeks to maintain a supportive environment that affirms these beliefs.

In 2005, the YWCA served 330 different children and 391 different adults, sheltering an average of 215 children and adults each night.

PROGRAMS

Druid House Transitional Housing Program
Serves women with children
Location: 1711 McCullough Street, Baltimore, MD 21217

At the core of the YWCA's Druid House Transitional Housing Program (Druid THP) is the ultimate goal of economic empowerment for each of its graduates. The program provides the support and encouragement families need to achieve their goals of economic and social independence.

All residents of the Druid THP are formerly homeless families. They are referred to the YWCA by emergency shelters, treatment programs, and other agencies, or are self-referred. Once they are accepted into the Druid THP, residents can stay up to two years in the program, with the goal of moving out into permanent housing that they are able to maintain.

With staff assistance, each resident develops a family plan that includes employment and/or education objectives as well as future goals for themselves and their children. This process enables them to strengthen their families, become more self-reliant and establish a stronger foundation for the future. Each head of household must work and/or enroll in a training/education program.

Druid THP offers residents a wide variety of supportive services, including many provided by partner organizations such as the Renewing Life Center, Maryland New Directions, PACT (a partnership between the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University), the University of Maryland's School of Nursing, Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Successful Resolutions, W.A.R. (Women Accepting Responsibility), and many more.

These supportive services include but are not limited to:

• Parenting skills support and education
• Health education
• Basic life skills, including household management, budgeting, and future credit management
• Employment/job readiness training
• Substance abuse recovery support
• Recreation and outings
• Tutoring for school-age children
• Mentoring through the Renewing Life Family Center's Friends in Action program
• Information and referral
• Case management
• Psycho-educational groups
• Family activities