YWCA NorthEastern NY has offered safe housing and services for homeless and/or low-income women (trans-inclusive) in Schenectady County for decades. Support services for individuals include advocacy, counseling, support groups, information and referrals, health and recreation opportunities and an emergency food pantry and clothing closet. Our housing services include our single room occupancy (SRO) which provides 55 housing units on-site for single homeless women (trans-inclusive), and Rosa’s House which provides 25 apartments in the community. During the month of November we offer additional events to raise awareness and support.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Make a Donation or Hold a Drive
Full-Size Hygiene Products, Socks, Blankets, Period Products, Hats, and Gloves
This month, we are in desperate need of full-sized hygiene products such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and deodorant.
As the temperature drops, we also ask for donations of warm hats, gloves, blankets, towels, and socks.
To coordinate drop-offs for donations, please fill out the form at ywca-neny.org/in-kind-donations
If you have any questions, please contact Danielle Schimpf at 518.374.3394 x102 or dschimpf@ywca-neny.org
Make a Fundraiser for Giving Tuesday – Click for More Information
Make a Contribution!
HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS INFORMATION
Experiencing Homelessness
- An individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, such as those living in emergency shelters, transitional housing, or places not meant for habitation, or
- An individual or family who will imminently lose their primary nighttime residence (within 14 days), provided that no subsequent housing has been identified and the individual/family lacks support networks or resources needed to obtain housing, or
- Unaccompanied youth under 25 years of age, or families with children and youth who qualify under other Federal statutes, such as the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, have not had a lease or ownership interest in a housing unit in the last 60 or more days, have had two or more moves in the last 60 days, and who are likely to continue to be unstably housed because of disability or multiple barriers to employment, or
- An individual or family who is fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, has no other residence, and lacks the resources or support networks to obtain other permanent housing
At-Risk of Homelessness
-
Have an annual income below 30 percent of median family income for the area, as determined by HUD, and
-
Do not have sufficient resources or support networks, immediately available to prevent them from moving to an emergency shelter or place not meant for habitation, and
-
Exhibit one or more risk factors of homelessness, including recent housing instability or exiting a publicly funded institution or system of care such as foster care or a mental health facility
New York State and Homelessness
A record-high 653,104 people experienced homelessness on a single night in January 2023 in the United States of America. This is more than a 12.1 percent increase over the previous year.
In New York alone, 103,200 people experienced homelessness on a given night in 2023. Out of 10,000 people, 53 were experiencing homelessness. Between 2007 and 2023, New York’s total homeless population increased by 65%. The sheltered population increased by 71%, and the unsheltered population decreased by 6%. Of this total, 76% were individuals and 55% were families.
Domestic Violence and Homelessness
38 percent of all domestic violence victims become homeless at some point in their lifetime. In addition, more than 90 percent of homeless women have experienced severe physical or sexual abuse at some point in their lives. Survivors can experience obstacles both in looking for housing and maintaining safe housing. These obstacles are often amplified depending on a survivor’s race, immigration status, or English language proficiency.
Domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness for children in the United States, with one quarter of homeless children having witnessed violence. According to a 2013 study, 70 percent of mothers in families experiencing homelessness reported being physically assaulted by a family member or someone they knew.
Domestic violence survivors can face significant barriers when looking for stable housing, and in maintaining safe housing. Abusers may affect survivors’ economic stability by making them economically dependent. Survivors may also be unemployed, have poor credit, or poor rental history due to domestic violence. These economic barriers can make finding stable housing nearly impossible for many survivors.
Support the cause:
Become a community supporter or sponsor of Homelessness Awareness Month. Make a donation or contact Lauren Trunko, Chief Development Officer, at 518.374.3394 x105 to find out more about how YOU can make a difference!