GUIDING WOMEN toward INDEPENDENCE

Threading Hope Back Into Lives

Do you take your home for granted? If a financial crisis or an abusive situation took it away, where would you turn? How can life get back on track?

In 2016 an average stay at the YWCA Cass Clay Emergency Shelter lasted 42 days, costing $44 per person, per night. In many cases, that isn’t enough time to piece together a shattered life. The YWCA’s website explains it well.

“Finding a home after devastating poverty or abuse is like finding a needle in a haystack. Then climbing through the needle’s eye to pass the scrutiny of landlords able to pick and choose their tenants. It’s nearly impossible.”

The key word here is “nearly.” It offers hope. And the YWCA’s supportive housing program offers help in threading hope back into lives.

YWCA CEO Erin Prochnow says, “In 1990, we launched the Supportive Housing program, which served four families. Now 75 women and children live in 32 YWCA units around the community. Our advocates assist women in learning basic life skills like applying for jobs, managing budgets, finding transportation and selecting childcare.”

Through this process women are healthier, earn more money and eventually are able to live independently. And these services cost less at $23 per person, per night. Yet, supportive housing is in dire shortage. Last year they were only able to accept 22 of the 153 women applying for the program.

In February 2016 Lutheran Church of the Cross (LCC) pastor Joel Baranko contacted Prochnow about whether land owned by the West Fargo church might be used in helping women and children remake their lives.

Prochnow says, “We had just completed a strategic planning process identifying the goal to double our housing program. The timing of this call was miraculous.”

According to church member Jessi Zenker, “The congregation wanted to do something purposeful with the land and get involved by building a long-term partnership.”

The property is adjacent to the church. Wanting to be a good neighbor, the church quickly reached out to the residential neighborhood. Concerns that it was a shelter were addressed explaining it will be a housing project and complies with city zoning regulations.

Prochnow also needed a bank sponsor for an application to the Federal Home Loan Bank. She reached out to Gate City Bank, as their philanthropic footprint with the YWCA has been profound.

Gate City Bank marketing manager Amy Durbin says, “We are delighted to participate in this unique partnership and are proud to help provide safety and security to families in our community. We believe it is our responsibility to make a difference by investing in our customers, employees and communities for a better way of life.”

Over the next 12 years, Gate City Bank has pledged $1.5 million, which is the largest single gift received over the YWCA’s 111 years. This gift puts the project on sure footing and guarantees support services.

The YWCA hopes to hear good news on the building funds applications by year-end so they can break ground in May 2018 and open May 2019.

Prochnow is appreciative. “We have an immense amount of gratitude for the LCC congregation and Gate City Bank. Women and children will know that hope is more than a thought, but an action and their lives will be changed for the better.”

BENEFITS DERIVED by women from supportive housing

• 79% increase their education and income

• 85% improve their physical and mental health

• 92% secure independent permanent homes within 2 years words by ALICIA UNDERLEE NELSON photography by CROSSROAD PHOTOGRAPHY hair and makeup styled by ASHLEY TRAPPEN

TO LEARN MORE OR FIND WAYS TO PARTICIPATE, visit ywcacassclay.org/housing.

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