Transitional Housing

Transitional Housing Information

Latest News

Greetings! Transitional Housing is “springing” into action with some exciting new programs. We will be starting a mentoring program in partnership with Big Brothers, Big Sisters. The adults and children will be actively involved this spring in developing lasting relationships with people who can have a great impact on their lives! If you or anyone you know would like to be a guest speaker for the adults or a mentor for the kids, please feel free to contact me and I will let you know how to do that.

The COOL Enrichment Program has been a great help to many of our families by providing them with such things as help with field trips, high school diplomas, sports programs, etc. This is a general fund for a specific need that the families request help with. Chores for Rewards are also included in this program. Since September, we have had 20 children participating in this program. They are hard at work doing assigned chores for their parents and at the end of each month, they receive a reward. I would like to thank the groups that so generously helped fund this program. If you are interested in getting more information about any of the new programs or would just like more information, please contact me. I will be happy to talk with you or come visit your group and speak.

I am excited about working with all our families on their road to self sufficiency. We appreciate all your prayers and support. We are looking forward to many success stories in the future!

Michelle Rivers
Case Manager

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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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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.

"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.

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