Transitional Housing Information
Transitional Housing News
I came to COOL in April of this year as Transitional Housing Case Manager. COOL Transitional Housing is a program designed to give families struggling with homelessness a chance to re-establish their lives, find better employment, obtain education, learn budgeting skills and save money for the future so they can truly become self-sufficient. Working with our Transitional Housing families is extremely rewarding work and a very busy job so far! Already seven of the eight families in our program have graduated into self-sufficiency and all of those have been replaced by new families seeking help in setting goals, taking responsibility for their lives, making life style changes and finding hope for a brighter future.
Families coming to COOL Transitional Housing for help have faced many hardships. Those currently in our program have had to endure homelessness, domestic violence, poverty and even gun violence. At COOL we offer counseling to the Mom’s and Dad’s and have recently contracted for additional counseling services for the children as well. This will provide them with an opportunity to talk through the issues that they have faced with a specialist skilled in helping them to adjust to the hardships they too have had to face in their young lives.
Another internal program designed to help children is our Rewards for Chores program. By participating in Rewards for Chores children do household chores appropriate to their age level and after successfully completing their “chores” for a month they receive rewards that they can enjoy. This program teaches children responsibility, work ethic and gives them an incentive to help out around the house which helps the parents as well! We will be issuing movie passes, gift certificates and restaurant coupon books for the children who participate in this program. If you would like to help us continue our Rewards for Chores program, donations to COOL can be earmarked for Chores for Rewards. Simply include a note with your donation letting us know you want to support this effort!
One of the biggest challenges faced by our families in this difficult economy is helpingthem to find good jobs! Each week we post new help wanted ads on our Food Pantry bulletin boards and pass out lists of job leads to those who are seeking employment. If you or anyone you know has a job lead which could help a COOL family to make a better life please email that information to coolhousing@poweruser.com.
Families wishing to apply for our program can call for an application at 847-662-1340 voicemail “2.”
D. “Arlene” Thackston
T-H Program Case Manager
Back to the Top
Volunteers in Action
Volunteers from Kraft Foods came out to help clean up around a COOL Transitional Housing site on August 11, 2009. They painted doors, dug flower beds, trimmed weeds, cut branches and removed debris. All their hard work and the time they devoted to helping out as volunteers is greatly appreciated. Thank You!! Check out their pictures below. Volunteers are always needed, whether it is helping in the Food Pantry or working on Transitional Housing projects. If you would like to be a volunteer, please contact Amber Abbott, the Volunteer Coordinator, at 847-662-1230.
Volunteers from Kraft Foods helping with yard clean up at
our Transitional Housing site in Zion.
Back to the Top
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) |
|
 |
Back to the Top
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.
Back to the Top
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.
Back to the Top
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.
Back to the Top
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. |
