Did you know that November is National Homelessness Awareness Month? Though it may be somewhat less obvious in northcentral Pennsylvania than in areas with bigger cities, homelessness is a serious issue. Every year, thousands of people in Pennsylvania go without housing, many of whom are completely unsheltered in even the coldest of winter months.
From sleeping in a vehicle or staying in a shelter to living outside or even couch surfing, homelessness comes in many forms.
Often, homelessness is the result of domestic violence, where individuals or families are fleeing from abuse.
While causes of homelessness may vary, it is up to dedicated public officials, social workers, and the public to help our neighbors find a solution to this housing crisis.
The Liberty House of the YWCA of Northcentral PA is working hard to fill the housing gap. Initiated in 2003, the Liberty House Program is a supportive housing solution for homeless women and women with children. The idea is to provide a safe, community-style living environment, allowing residents to build healthy relationships and independence. The objective of Liberty House is to break the cycle of homelessness and achieve self-sufficiency.
According to the YWCA website, Liberty House provides access to trained staff who assist residents in eliminating potential barriers to self-sufficiency by developing an individualized plan tailored to their specific needs.
They offer a wide range of support services, such as individual counseling, case management, effective parenting, money management/credit recovery, career development, healthy relationships, interpersonal skills, and more.
Case managers are dedicated to each resident’s success. They provide referrals and additional community resources to increase their chances of attaining self-sufficiency.
They also have access to emergency food and clothing, as needed, which includes a personalized shopping experience at The Boutique to help residents be job-ready as they begin exploring employment opportunities.
The goal is to equip every person who becomes a resident at Liberty House with the skills to rebuild their life, become financially responsible, increase their self-worth, form support systems, and become self-sufficient.
Residents can stay at Liberty House for up to 24 months and are required to participate in Passport to Success, which is a 4-stage path to independence.
Phases include Orientation, Restoration, Transformation, and Empowerment. These phases are intended to assist residents of Liberty House to build the skills necessary to take control of their finances, improve emotional intelligence, be able to manage a household, maintain personal health and wellness, develop healthy relationships, and more.
Orientation phase: For the first 30 days, every new resident starts in the Orientation phase. During this time, individuals will acclimate to their new environment. Case Managers meet with these clients twice a week to obtain their identifying documents, such as birth certificates, social security cards, and state identification. If they do not have health care coverage and qualify, they will apply for medical assistance. If they qualify for SNAP benefits, they will also apply for that. This will be done for all household members.
If an individual does not have a high school diploma or GED, they will be encouraged to register for GED classes with the help of their Case Manager. Obtaining a GED will create more employment opportunities. Case Managers will help clients identify their strengths and needs and develop a Service Plan that includes short-term and long-term goals. This Service Plan will be reviewed monthly and updated as needs change or goals are reached.
Restoration phase: During this phase, they will be working to regain healthy living, strength, and well-being. An in-depth financial review will take place, and residents will work toward establishing income, improving their credit score, and budgeting. If they have medical insurance or once they receive it, they will be required to get up to date on wellness visits at their primary care doctor and dentist. If necessary, they will also visit an eye care center.
Children will be required to be up to date on wellness checks with their primary doctor, dental visits, and immunizations. If they are not, Case Managers will assist in scheduling appointments to ensure they are up to date. If a child has an IEP or other educational plan, a copy will be requested for their file. Parents will be asked to sign a release for their child’s school so that case managers can advocate for any needs with the help of their school’s Homeless Liaison.
This phase will also include residents applying for housing opportunities, acquiring a job, or if disabled, beginning the process for SSI/SSDI. If a child has a disability and does not already receive SSI/SSDI, the application process will be started. If a job is acquired, work schedules will be given to case managers weekly. If a job is acquired after the first initial 60 days, 1 month after that job is started, clients will begin paying rent. Rent is 10% of adjusted income but no more than $300.
Transformation phase: This is a time for continuing positive change. Many things remain the same during this phase, including weekly work schedules being shared with the case manager and weekly case management, continued budget coaching, and residents should be starting to significantly decrease their debt and begin saving for their future.
Empowerment: During this phase, clients experience freedom and independence to control their lives. At this point, case management is at the discretion of the case manager.
In 2023, the Liberty House sheltered 50 adults and 27 children for a total of 9,505 nights in the shelter. Currently, 17 adults and 12 children are residents of Liberty House.
No one should be without a home — and this is where you can help.
The YWCA will be holding a Spaghetti Dinner Takeout fundraiser to “Take Out Homelessness” on Friday, November 15. Each meal includes pasta with homemade red sauce, two meatballs, bread, salad & dressing. Meals will be available for pickup between 5:00-8:00 p.m. The pick-up location is The Carriage House, 414 Walnut St. in Williamsport. Meals are by pre-order with $10 ticket purchase only. All proceeds benefit the YWCA Northcentral PA. Tickets are available at the Welcome Desks of the YWCA Northcentral PA located at 815 W. Fourth Street, Williamsport. Payment can be made by credit card or cash only.
If you’re not in the mood for spaghetti but would still like to donate, call the YWCA at 570-322-4637.
For more information about Liberty House and how you help “Take Out Homelessness,” or if you or someone you know needs the services of the YWCA’s Liberty House, please contact the case management team by calling 570-322-4637, ext.170.
