Transitional Housing Information

Transitional Housing News

What happens to families when disaster strikes? The loss of a job, an unexpected illness, fire or other disaster, or even unexpected car repairs can mean the rent or mortgage can’t be paid and homelessness can happen quickly. COOL Transitional Housing is a program designed to give working homeless families an opportunity to establish their lives anew with time to find permanent housing and build a better future. During their stay with COOL,
families may obtain educational training, find better employment, gain life skills, learn to budget and save money, receive counseling and explore personal and spiritual growth. At the end of their stay with COOL, guest families exit the program and maintain self-sufficient living!

Maintaining our homes for Transitional Housing takes a lot of hard work! Homes need maintenance on a regular basis just to keep up with everything from lawn care to painting and everything in between. We are truly thankful for the help of volunteers who have come forward this Spring to help us give a much needed face lift and make essential repairs to our COOL owned properties.

D. “Arlene” Thackston
T-H Case Manager

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Cool Grants

With the coming of Spring we are thankful for the growth of new grass, renewal of fresh flowers, and of new life being born. I am very thankful for the continued support of all our private donors, the renewal of previous funders, and of new funding that has come to COOL. It is as if I have an Angel sitting on my shoulder guiding me, with all the good that has come COOL’s way. The staff and I are grateful and give thanks for everything that happens to us, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than our current situation. I sincerely hope that all of you find your own Guardian Angel that will guide you through your every day challenges.

John Gonsalez,
Grant Writer

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Volunteers in Action

Thanks to All the T-H Angels Who Make it Happen

H. Rick Gottman – TH Volunteer Coordinator Bill Turner who donated materials and repaired our doorbell system, and patched floors and countertops. Robert Haymaker – home repairs Kenneth Thomas – home repairs Gary Miller – home repairs. Bill Melville – home repairs. Jean Hamann – cleaning units. Jim Benton – drives truck and does labor.

Volunteer maintenance team working at Sherman Place. Shown: Rick Gottman and Robert Haymaker (ladder). Not shown: Jim Benton and Kenneth Thomas

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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.

"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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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 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.

"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)

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.