ENDING HOMELESSNESS

Independence Place & NIA

ABOUT

Independence

Place

On our mission to end homelessness, YWCA Greater Cleveland created Independence Place, offering permanent supportive housing with 23 apartments for young adults experiencing homelessness.

Independence Place apartments are much more than four walls. The specialized care model focuses on increasing self-sufficiency of the individuals and families residing in Independence Place and helping them to live their best life.  Under the guidance of a Life Coach, tenants are supported in their pursuit of the goals they identify, including permanent housing and educational opportunities, career development, learning the importance of physical and mental health care, and developing life and parenting skills. Yearlong services include: Individual, relationship-based case management, program services, utilities, education supports, emergency needs, and bus tickets/transportation needs.

In the past decade years, Independence Place has housed over 130 young adults as they prepare for transition into the community. Over 50 people have left Independence Place and are living in the community and more than 80% have maintained their housing and are thriving.

17.png
18.png
19.png
20.png
21.png

ABOUT

Community NIA

(Nurturing Independence & Aspirations)

Tenants who move out into the community are offered continued support through a Case Manager. This role is designed to help tenants to continue to maintain their housing and support them in ways the tenants themselves identify as areas of need. The Case Manager continues to support the participants in increasing self-sufficiency and their goals.

Both Independence Place and Community NIA receive clinical oversight from the Clinical Director, assisting staff and participants with managing mental health issues and connecting them to related resources. A variety of program opportunities are offered to Independence Place tenants and Community NIA participants, including art therapy, dinner and discussion nights lead by community organizations, community outings, a food pantry, and access to additional programming offered within the YWCA, including enrollment of their child into the Early Learning Center.

Independence Place Wishlist

Thank you for supporting Independence Place! The following is a general guideline of most-needed items. Independence Place only accepts donations that are presented to staff to be approved and logged. Calling in advance is recommended. We are not able to store or distribute USED clothing due to storage and health and safety requirements.

HIGH NEED ITEMS

  • Cleaning items for their apartments

  • Gift Cards to purchase clothing or other personal items they might need

  • Baby items:

    • Diapers, size 3 – 6 toddler and training pants

    • Baby Wipes

    • Hygiene items for baby/toddlers

  • Healthy snacks

  • Kitchen utensils and small appliances

  • Sheets, towels, blankets, pillows

  • Winter coats/clothing

  • Mentors

  • Sanitary Napkins, tampons

  • Body Wash

  • Bar soap

  • Laundry detergent pods

  • Lotion

  • Lysol disinfectant wipes

AFTERCARE NEEDS

Aftercare Services is a supportive transition from Independence Place into Permanent Housing. Case managers help provide former guests with move out, cleaning, and other essential supplies, transportation assistance, wellness checks, and community resources to maintain table housing.

Aftercare-Specific Needs:

  • Household Items (including kitchen and bathroom supplies)

  • Bedding (including pillows and blankets)

  • Air mattresses

  • Cleaning and laundry supplies

  • Gift Cards

Independence Place & NIA Gallery