History

The program was created in 1989 as an extension of the Domestic Violence Program. The staff in the Domestic Violence Program were finding that some women were not able to change their abusive relationships because they were not financially independent. If they did there would be an eminent risk of becoming homeless. Over the years, the Women in Transition Program has extended its services to anyone in the community in need of accessing emergency services to prevent homelessness.

Target population

Women and their families in need of advocacy and/or orientation in terms of resources available to meet their needs. The program targets Spanish speaking individuals, however intake is open to all in need.

Services

Screening and assessment, case management, advocacy, rental assistance and appropriate referrals to community resources.

Staff composition

Three full-time staff: Program Coordinator and two intake workers.

Advocacy efforts

Illinois Hunger Coalition, Chicago Continuum of Care (Partnership to End Homelessness), and Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.

Trends

Undocumented men and women with little or no family support are accessing WIT services. Many are seeking referrals to legal assistance agencies for a myriad of reasons (divorce, custody, child support, rape, assault). The need for affordable housing and homeless/domestic violence shelters is still significant in the program. The undocumented status of clients seeking services makes referrals more difficult. There is an increase in the incidents of unemployment among the participants.

Domestic Violence / Sexual Assault / Peace Program / Parrent Support /

Teen Reach / Latina Leadership / Child Care / SASS / Sanctuary / Mother & Daughter