Empowering Women: Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness in Chicago
Over 16,000 women face homelessness annually in Chicago, with a higher proportion of single women than any other U.S. metropolitan area. Deborah's Place, founded in 1985 as the first year-round shelter for women, has evolved into Chicago's largest provider of supportive housing and services. With programs like Teresa’s Interim Housing and Dolores’ Safe Haven, we strive to help women achieve stability, self-sufficiency, and health improvements. We’ve supported over 4,000 women, promoting their paths to independence through education and community engagement.
Empowering Women: Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness in Chicago
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Presentation Transcript
Deborah’s Place Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness for Women in Chicago
The Problem Over 16,000 women experience homelessness in Chicago every year. Chicago has a higher ratio of single women who are homeless than any other US metropolitan city. For women, homelessness is rarely the consequence of a single issue or event.
Our Mission & History Deborah’s Place breaks the cycle of homelessness for women in Chicago. • In 1985, founded as city’s first year-round shelter for women • Evolved to meet women’s broader needs, adding housing options and support services • Today, Chicago’s largest provider of interim and supportive housing for women • Over 300 women achieve greater stability, self-sufficiency, and self-determination each year.
Our Women • Majority African American • Majority between ages 41 and 60 • 9 in 10 live with a disability • Most have experienced prolonged or repeated homelessness
Our Impact In FY’12: • 39 women moved from streets to Deborah’s Place housing • 28 women obtained employment • 235 women improved their health outcomes • 22 women moved on into community-based housing • 96% maintain housing More than 4,000 women served since 1985
1530-32 N. Sedgwick 3 Residential Programs • Teresa’s Interim Housing Program – 10 bed, 120 day program focused on rapid re-housing • Dolores’ Safe Haven Program: Low-demand, high-engagement housing for 15 women who are chronically homeless and mentally ill • Patty Crowley Apartments: 39 Single Room Occupancy apartments for women with disabilities
Our Sedgwick Learning Center Providing one-on-one support, and independent learning opportunities for 64 women daily Adult Education Life Skills Cultural Enrichment Social-Emotional Development and Engagement
Deborah’s Place & Old Town Triangle Association Promoting Cultural Enrichment in the Community • Visits to Chicago History Museum/Zoo • Attending Theater and Arts performances Encouraging Social Interaction Among Neighbors • Patronizing local restaurants & shops • Volunteers, in-kind donations & financial support from 450 neighbors and friends
Old Town Triangle Volunteers 1530 Learning Center Book Group was founded & facilitated by Old Town Triangle resident • Encourages the joy of reading • Broadens world view • Builds social skills
Thank You! Old Town Triangle Association brings support and volunteers to Deborah’s Place!