Transitional Housing Information
Farewell
COOL said “farewell” to Michelle Rivers, T-H Program Manager this month. She moved to Tennessee to be near her parents. We will all miss her. Just as Spring follows Winter, a new Case Manager will begin to work with our Transitional Housing families. It is truly a labor of love to assist families gain greater skills and save enough money to become self-sufficient. The whole staff at COOL shares in the joy of their successes and is saddened by setbacks. The Chores for Rewards program is a great success with our T-H children as our Enrichment opportunities are for them. The COOL After Care program offers our graduates continued support and guidance after leaving COOL. The connection is valuable because it continues a friendship between COOL and our families that lasts much longer than the program. For more information or an application, call 847-662-1340 voicemail “2”.
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About Transitional Housing
The Transitional Housing Program has been in operation since 1988. Phase I housing provides program services including life skills training along with “rent and utilities paid” housing units for homeless families, many of whom are single parents. Phase II continues with the addition of low rental payments while completing educational training, securing better employment and saving for first and last months’ rent or a down payment on a home. Phase II supplies families with up to 18 months of additional time in order to ensure a stable and long lasting transition to self-sufficiency.
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"I had faith, that if I did the footwork, God would see to our needs. Our Creator works through people like those who staff and support COOL and those who are willing to help others in need."
Darla (a former guest) |
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Housing Facilities
COOL provides between seven and eleven housing units.
The Phase II Program is designed for guests who can pay partial rent and utilities, but need more time to upgrade job skills or access further resources for independent living. The units are located in Waukegan and Zion, Illinois.
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Housing Guests
Housing guests are selected from applications submitted to COOL on the basis of need, appropriateness for the program and availability of housing.
Since the Transition Housing Program was initiated, over 100 families have graduated; many have been single women with children. 85% of our guests have maintained independent living long after leaving the COOL program.
The standards for acceptance in the Transitional Housing Program are full-time employment, a successful history of sobriety, the establishment of a savings account, and compliance with program guidelines.
Guests are referred to COOL by state and local government agencies, private programs, churches, and individuals. Anyone wishing to apply for Transitional Housing can call (847) 662-1340 for an application form.
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Funding
COOL receives funding from government grants, corporate and private foundations, and the United Way of Lake County. COOL also receives financial contributions from member churches and generous individuals.
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"I will always be grateful to Transitional Housing. They befriended me and considered me as a person, not a situation. That meant a great deal to me. The program helped me grow to where I am today."
Ruby (a former guest) |
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COOL is governed by a Board of Directors which support the organization’s efforts with annual fundraising events such as the "Annual Choirs of Angels Concert" and "The COOL Spring Plant Sale". The majority of board members are selected from the congregations of member churches.
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How You Can Help
We appreciate all PRAYERS for our COOL programs, guests and clients, staff, Board of Directors and volunteers.
We appreciate DONATIONS of furniture and other household items.
We appreciate FINANCIAL donations, large and small, which are tax deductible. (Printable donation form)
We appreciate VOLUNTEERS who can move furniture occasionally and provide transportation to and from shopping.
We appreciate the support of FUNDRAISING efforts by COOL Board of Directors. |
