GOAL: Community members have access to shelter.
SUCCESS STORY
[Names and identifying information changed for protection] Jane, a 37-year-old female, came to The Family Center with her 6-year-old son, Jon, after years of domestic abuse from her partner. Upon her arrival Jane was very emotional and outspoken as she did not know how to properly express how she was feeling. Jon was acting out as he was a child witness to domestic abuse. While staying at The Family Center, Jane worked with Shelter Advocates and was very appreciative to have someone to talk to 24/7. Jane had commented numerous times that the advocates were very helpful in assisting her as she learned how to deal with her emotions and express how she was feeling. The Legal Systems Advocate helped her with child custody issues and was able to assist her in understanding the pending criminal charges against her abuser, possible outcomes and how the criminal justice system worked. Our Domestic Violence Housing First Advocate assisted Jane with housing resources and accompanied her to view potential housing options per Jane’s request. Jane started counseling and attended support groups offered at the Family Center. Jane was able to finish her degree and get a great job that will provide future financial stability as she cares for her family independently. Jon worked with our Children and Youth Services Coordinator regularly. With her help, and the tools she was able to teach him, he was able to express himself in a more positive way and the negative behaviors previously seen began to dissipate. When Jane and Jon moved out, they were able to move into their own home thanks to the assistance of the Domestic Violence Housing First Program at the Family Center. The Family Center and Love Inc. helped Jane to furnish her new home. Jane still calls to check in occasionally and it is great to hear how well she and Jon are doing.
LOCAL RESULTS
- Assistance with housing & shelter was the most common need recorded by our local 211 Contact Center in 2023.
- United Way’s investment in partner programs provides ALICE households with resources to find & afford safe, stable housing – and in many cases, avoid eviction.
- 1,058 community members received assistance from partner programs to avoid eviction in 2023.
- Victims of domestic violence often have limited assets as a result of abuse, which makes it extremely difficult to leave and obtain safe housing.
- United Way’s investment helps provide safe shelter to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – which can mean the difference between life & death.
- 79 victims of domestic violence received safe shelter through a partner program in 2023.
- 1,314 calls were answered by our local 211 contact center regarding housing and emergency shelter in 2023.
- 39 individuals participated in the South Wood County Homelessness Roundtable in 2023.
- 60 individuals with disabilities received assistance from partner programs to obtain & sustain independent housing in 2023.
- 20 volunteers participated in the Homeless Point in Time Count in January 2024.
Source: Homelessness Coalition, UWSWAC’s Volunteer Center, United Way’s 2-1-1
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