YWCA Canton

Our emergency homeless shelter on 6th Street is the largest women’s shelter in Stark County with 38 rooms on the 3rd floor of our downtown facility. Clients are able to use the secure shelter for 90 days and can take advantage of many programs that we offer to educate and prepare them for the next step. In 2021, the YWCA provided 10,959 nights of service and support in our emergency shelter for 219 individuals. Our Case Managers assist participants in developing a unique housing plan to help them exit to permanent housing rapidly.

Along with the basic housing needs, we work with agencies throughout the community to provide a holistic approach to uncovering the problems within the family that brought them to this point-whether it be lack of education, need for job training, drug and/or alcohol problems, abusive relationships, counseling needs, mental health problems or simply help identifying and locating resources.

Permanent Supportive Housing
Permanent Supportive Housing is an intervention of low barrier affordable housing, for disabled, chronically homeless persons, that is paired with voluntary support services to help participants lead stable lives. Our portfolio consists of three permanent supportive housing sites that total 106 units in which we can serve individuals and families. Rent is based on 30% of income and includes utilities. In 2021, 123 people were housed and supported in these facilities.

Stark Area Rapid Re-Housing
This program strives to connect eligible households with permanent housing as quickly as possible. Short-term financial assistance is coupled with supportive services to help participants stabilize. We provide education on lease compliance, tenant responsibilities, assist with household budgeting, and work with participants to address barriers. Regular home visits are required to ensure our clients’ success. In 2021, the staff worked with 302 individuals to find appropriate housing.