Transitional Housing Program

Many immigrant survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault are unable to escape violence due to the lack of affordable housing. The housing market is smaller for them because many do not have the credit history or income source. Furthermore, limited English proficiency and having been isolated in an abusive relationship for an extended period of time hinders their ability to seek rental housing.

Through the Transitional Housing (TH) Program, KAN-WIN provides a variety of services as survivors strive to establish safe and stable homes free from violence. The program assists survivors with:

+ Searching for affordable rental housing in communities which survivors desire to live (based on their consideration of children’s school/day-care, employment, support systems, etc.

+ Providing rental subsidy and utilities support for up to 24-months.

+ Building self-sufficiency through individual case management and financial empowerment strategies, including applying for scholarships to attend vocational schools, developing job skills, applying for public benefits, etc.

+ Regaining emotional stability and health through counseling one-on-one and/or in a group setting.

The TH Program can maintain up to 4 rental units in the City of Chicago and 1 rental unit in the suburban area, housing up to 15 women and children. Through this program, participants are given an opportunity to develop and implement a goal-oriented life plan towards permanent self-sufficiency. If you are interested in learning more about this program, please email the TH Program Coordinator.

Success Story

Linda* left her husband with only a garbage bag filled with her two children’s clothes. When she got in touch with KAN-WIN, she was accepted into the TH Program after a three-month stay at an emergency shelter. The TH Program Coordinator helped Linda search for an apartment, negotiate with the landlord, and enter into a lease. While receiving rental and utility subsidies for 2 years, Linda was able to concentrate on rebuilding her life with her two children and achieving many goals, such as learning English, gaining job skills, and obtaining scholarships for career goals. Linda and her children also received intensive counseling and family sessions which helped them regain emotional health and move forward. Linda is now happily working full-time and leading a very busy life with her kids.
*Name changed to protect anonymity.