YWCA Emergency Homeless Services Greater Harrisburg

Housing and Homelessness Programs:

While the Housing and Homelessness Programs offer a continuum of housing options, the programs provide more than housing assistance. With a focus on the establishment of well-defined goals and objectives, women and men are offered an opportunity to break the cycle of homelessness and achieve self-sufficiency.

The following housing options are coordinated by the YWCA: 30-day Emergency Shelter, Transitional and Bridge Housing, Single Room Occupancy, and Permanent Housing for Persons with Disabilities. The primary population is homeless women and women with children. Additionally, we assist homeless veterans in securing housing. While enrolled in the long-term housing programs, individuals are assigned case managers, and are expected to participate in life skills classes.

Programs Offered

Bridge Housing:

Goal-oriented housing program for women and women with children who are homeless for any reason.
Offers support to participants with the following goals in mind: secure employment and permanent housing.
Trained staff help participants eliminate potential barriers to self-sufficiency, such as a poor credit rating, lack of high school diploma or formal training, or a criminal record.

Emergency Shelter:

- Provides housing to single women and women with children for up to 30 days
- Services are focused on securing housing and employment
- Shelter representatives assist in developing service plans, provide referrals and monitor progress weekly
- Services are free and confidential

Permanent Housing Disabilities:

- Program provides rental assistance and weekly case management
- Single homeless women and men, homeless women and men with families with permanent disabilities
- Following an interview if an individual is accepted, they’re placed in an apartment in the community
- Individual pays a portion of rent based on income, program pays the difference
- Program covers security deposit and utilities
- Goal plans are development and individuals meet with case managers weekly to monitor progress
- Goals focus on maintaining housing, improving finance situations, maintaining health, obtaining part-time employment, pursuing higher education, etc.
- Participants are assisted financially until they receive Section 8 voucher, public housing, or have a change in income that allows for self-sufficiency

Section 8 or Single Room Occupancy:

- Program for single, homeless women
- Considered permanent housing
- Residents have a private, single room with a shared kitchen and bath

Transitional Housing:

- Goal oriented housing program for women and women with children who are homeless
- Housing offered in two and three bedroom apartments
- Program goals include employment and permanent housing