Opening Doors for Women in Need

Transition Housing (temporary 12 month) has two 4 bedroom homes providing safe living for 8 women recently released from prison, jail, or drug rehab programs who as a result of trauma are at risk of homelessness and recidivism. Out of the 76 requests, 22 processed, (17 with pending release dates) with 6 new clients accepted entering the program in 2022. Clients enter the program with only the clothes on their back, we provide clothing, food, and hygiene packs. There is a program fee ($300 monthly) for housing to help cover the cost of utilities and upkeep of the homes. But our clients are destitute, not able to pay the program fee requiring assistance. The ability to pay the program fee is not a major factor for acceptance into the program. The Job Readiness program equips clients in obtaining employment. The Sober Living component of the program equips them with support/counseling tools necessary to combat issues that will cause them to re-offend or relapse, and return to jail. Personal financial budgeting teaches responsibility, paying bills, plans to control spending and importance of savings. Once the Transition Housing program client graduates we assist with everything needed for their new apartment/housing- furniture, household items, bedding, kitchen, etc. The relationship with the ladies doesnt stop after graduation, we are extended family. The support of our graduates helps to mentor the next group of ladies that are coming for hope. (All resources with the exception of temporary housing are available to women with back grounds, substance abuse issues, in the community/City seeking recovery resources.) In 2022 we processed 2592 requests for assistance to low to moderate income households in the 76107 community and surrounding areas (clothing, food, hygiene packs), 16 Referrals for rent/utility assistance thru partnership with Cornerstone Network Assistance nonprofit. Facility use for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is an IRS-supported, free income tax preparation program for low- to moderate-income individuals and families.

Como Community Gardens-the goal of bringing the community together with gardening. Growing fresh vegetables and fruit to promote healthy eating, feeding the homeless in the community. The support of the community residence, Church groups, school, college students, community service volunteers, & interns to maintain the garden it also brings diversity to the community working together with a common goal to combat hunger, hypertension, diabetes, obesity through healthy food. A time of sharing and caring ODWIN processed 2257 requests for food in 2022 with food donations from businesses like Chick-fil-A and Sprouts Grocery. The goal is to raise funding to build a medium green house to help care for crops year round.

Nehemiah Project Job Readiness-teaches women and men with backgrounds skills needed to obtain employment. The project offers case management to assess the individual skills of each participant. The information obtained is used in prioritizing the needs of the clients and allowing them to create their goals. Resume creation, job search tools, application submission, and mock interview are tools provided. Clients are assisted in obtaining proper official identification as needed for obtaining employment. The support of some business in the community our women obtain employment in less than 1 month of entering the program. The computer lab resource is available for the community to utilize when applying for employment and other services.