Helping women to achieve self sufficiency

We provide 25 beds for homeless mothers and their children in Atlanta

The Women in Transition (WIT) program serves as a safe haven providing quality transitional housing to homeless women and their children. In 1987, the YWCA of Greater Atlanta opened the city's first emergency night shelter for women (both single and with children). Since then, the YWCA has provided material aid, transitional shelter, and residential support to over 10,000 women. The WIT Cascade House's 18-month program helps homeless women through the provision of housing and case management services to identify and cultivate economic opportunities, sustainable employment, and life skills necessary to retain employment and maintain stable homes for their families.

Through extensive case management, advocacy, and children’s programming, families are encouraged to explore their options and set realistic, obtainable goals. WIT staff advocate on behalf of each family and provide resources and referrals for long-term housing, healthcare, financial literacy, child care, job readiness, and advanced training and educational opportunities. Upon achieving their goals and transitioning to permanent housing, clients are provided with an additional six months of wrap around services in the aftercare program. In addition, our 24/7 hotline provides an average of 2550 referrals annually.

95% of our graduates are now in permanent housing, employed and self sufficient.

Cascade House--comfort where there is pain, love where there is loneliness, and a light where there is darkness

The Cascade House offers transitional housing—a safe haven—to homeless women with children. In 2009, it served 7 families (7 women with a total of 17 children). Prior to coming to the Cascade House, these women were homeless due to domestic violence, eviction, job loss, foreclosure, and relocation. The YWCA of Greater Atlanta was there to help them regain their footing and become gainfully employed and self sufficient.

The facility is a secured property in a confidential location. A 25-bed facility, there are dormitory-style bedrooms, communal bath/shower rooms, communal living and laundry, a commercial kitchen, and “Bright Spaces” for our children.

There are four full-time staff on premise with 24-hour coverage; another three staffers are part-time. There are also shelter advocates, case managers, and children’s advocates along with many volunteers who help with meals, mentor/tutor, make repairs, and work on the helpline.

Entry into the program is based on an application, interview, and qualification process. Participants must be homeless as per HUD’s definition.

 Cascade families thrive here

During their time at the Cascade House, women take classes on parenting and financial management and save 30% of their income toward permanent housing.  Children also participate in educational programs, including off-site trips like a visit to the airport and a trip to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center.

RECENT NEWS

10th annual Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil

On October 7th, Cascade House co-hosted the event with Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV). The vigil was held to remember those victims who lost their lives as a result of intimate partner violence. TGI Tech participants volunteered as greeters welcoming over 100 people to the event.

New volunteers to support program staff and shelter needs

• Matters of the Heart Christian Ministries will provide childcare activities to the children of Cascade House while their mothers attend life skill education and empowerment classes. Activities include homework assistance, games, story telling and dinner preparation.

• D’ Olivia will facilitate monthly W.I.S.D.O.M. workshops for the adult ladies residing at Cascade House.

• Friendship Baptist Church will participate in our Adopt-A-Room project. They are committed to providing a make-over to all rooms as families transition out, renewing the rooms for the next family’s arrival.

Thanksgiving Sponsors

Sponsors will generously provide a Thankful Feast for the families at Cascade House and they include:

• • Greater Elizabeth Baptist Church – November 18
• • TGI Tech – November 20

2010 Convocation

Faith AME Zion Church had its annual Convocation in Atlanta for the 2010 year. There outreach ministry adopted us and we were the recipients of MARTA gift cards, Kroger gift cards and Wal-Mart gift cards. The cards will be used to provide families with transportation, prescription assistance and general needs.

Georgia Aquarium

Heather Womack, Children’s Advocate, raised over $500 dollars for our children to attend the Georgia Aquarium on October 23, 2010.

Cascade House Wish List

Cascade House always welcomes donations and contributions from our community. Thank you for your support in our mission to empower women and children. 

• Cleaning supplies (laundry detergent)
• Office supplies (copy paper)
• Gift cards/certificates
• Breeze cards
• Shelter supplies (pillows)
• Health & personal needs

 CLICK HERE to see the entire Cascade House's Year-round Wish List.