Young Womens Christian Association – Knoxville YWCA

Amount Appropriated?

$4.0M

FFID tracks stages 1–2 — stages 3–5 vary by agency, assistance type, and earmark structure.

Project Description

This program provides critical support for women who would otherwise be homeless and improves economic conditions in the region by reducing homelessness and increasing employment. Keys of Hope is evidence-based, using strategies and practices established through peer-reviewed research and 122 years of experience housing women in need. Outcomes are consistent with a 90% program success rate, improved financial skills, paths to employment, and long-term self-sufficiency. \n \nKeys of Hope operates 24 hours/day and provides a safe environment where real change can occur through counseling; skill-building, employment-seeking and retention training; personal financial management; personal goal setting; and addiction and recovery support \u2013 all leading to the goal of self-sufficiency. Staff provides referral services for ongoing mental health treatment and other services as needed. \n \nProgramming is individually based, and women may stay for up to 2 years. After completing the program, women maintain steady employment, move into permanent housing, attain self-sufficiency, and reclaim roles as contributing members of the community \u2013 with a 90% success rate. \n \nKeys of Hope\u2019s 58 beds currently accounts for nearly 20% of the transitional housing beds in Knox County. The program serves about 145 women annually and received more than 2,000 inquires in 2021. Following renovation and expansion, room capacity will increase by more than 40% (up to 80 rooms), providing services for more than 200 women who otherwise would be homeless each year. \n \nIn 2021, the annual estimated cost of homelessness to taxpayer-funded systems was more than $40,000/person. The annual YWCA cost to support one woman through this program is $4,030. Investing in this renovation and expansion reduces long-term costs of homelessness for taxpayers and increases workforce and regional economic development.