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THI History
Transitional
Housing, Inc. (THI) was formed in 1986 by three nuns who had been working
in Cleveland’s homeless shelters. They continually saw the same women
come through the shelters, and were looking for a way to break this cycle
of homelessness. They founded THI in response to the serious shortage of
safe, decent, affordable housing for low-income women living alone. A
former motel on the City’s near West Side was acquired and transformed
into a 63 unit facility offering single room occupancy housing to low
income women who are homeless.
Women’s West Housing
Corporation (WWHC), a joint venture between Transitional Housing, Inc. and
Near West Housing Corporation, was formed to purchase, rehabilitate, and
provide property management. WWHC held ownership and management of
the building, land and furnishings until it merged with Transitional
Housing, Inc. in August, 2004. The Board was composed of one board
member from Near West Housing Corporation and four board members of
Transitional Housing, Inc. (three THI Board members and one THI staff
member).
In February 1985
WWHC purchased the building and land that now houses Transitional Housing,
Inc. The purchase was financed with loans from the Enterprise Foundation
and National City Bank. The building rehabilitation lasted for four
months. Transitional Housing, Inc. opened its doors to residents on
January 17, 1986.
Today there are 45
efficiency units subsidized by HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development) under the Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Program. Residents
pay 30% of their income. The remaining 18
transitional units are rented for $125 per month. While each
of the transitional units has a refrigerator, women share a communal kitchen.
Transitional Housing,
Inc. is a nonprofit organizations that has 501 (c) (3) status. THI was one of the
first transitional housing programs in the United States for women
living alone, and it remains one of the largest.
What THI Women are Saying
I am forever grateful to THI for the opportunity
to make my transition back into society.
You learn so much here,
and you leave with a lot more understanding
of life and self than you came here with.
Cindy
After going through three years of verbal and emotional abuse,
I didn’t know how to put my life and myself back together.
I’ve learned to make changes in myself first, then my life will change.
Before, I was never grateful for the littlest things in life, now, I am.
I also learned not to settle –
for being verbally abused, for lousy behavior from others in my life.
Next month, I’m going back to school so I can get a better paying job,
so I won’t settle for a low paying one.
I am so grateful to THI
for helping me put my life and myself back together.
Sandra
I would like to thank you
for allowing me the opportunity of a better life.
I can’t express how grateful I am.
Therefore I’ll express my appreciation
by my work, determination and commitment
here at Transitional Housing.
Because of your acceptance of me,
today I have hope, desire, peace of mind,
and willingness to go further in my life and my on-going recovery.
Thank you with all my heart.
Tamika
Women Rediscovering Themselves
through the Arts
Expression through the arts can be a healing process. The
Something from the Heart
Graphic and Performing Arts
Program includes opportunities for THI women to express their
creativity in a variety of ways. Women also participate in opportunities
offered within our community. This space highlights the creative talents
of the women of Transitional Housing, Inc.
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Carol Kimberling
With an Associates Degree in Fashion Merchandising from the Art
Institute of Pittsburgh, Ms. Kimberling draws upon her love of color
and design. She has studied art at Cuyahoga Community College and
participated in Writing Solo, a workshop offered through
Cleveland Public Theatre. |
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She enjoys using
pastels, pencils, pens, chalk, and crayons in creating her art, and
has shown her work in a community art show at the Kelly-Randall
gallery in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood.
Carol
participated in THI's art show as part of Something from the
Heart Something from the Soul on April 30, 2004 at Trinity
Commons. She is pictured above with three of her works on the
table.
Featured on the
program covers, Ms. Kimberling's work was the "heart" in both
Something from the Heart Something from the Soul productions.
Carol created the third heart in July, 2004. |
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November 15, 2003 |
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April 30, 2004 |
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July, 2004 |
Women Celebrate Black History
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History, Dance, Song, Poetry and Words of Inspiration were among the
many ways the women of THI celebrated Black History on February 25,
2005.
Special guests Ms. Andrea Mitchell, The Reverend Beverly Johnson,
and THI Board member The Honorable Angela Stokes all shared
inspiration and praise. Even the youth participated. And
of course, no celebration is complete without great food. |
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Ms. Andrea Mitchell offering inspiration through
Praise Dancing.
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The Honorable Angela Stokes, THI Board member; Sister Donna Hawk,
CSJ; and Mrs. Jayne Zborowsky, Vice President of the THI Board of
Trustees. |
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What
do you know? Ms. Leslie Henderson, THI Intake Specialist, challenges
participants to recall facts in Black history. |
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The
Reverend Beverly Johnson. THI women and guests celebrating through song. |
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Even
the youngest participated! |
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No Celebration would
be complete without a great meal prepared and served by the women
and staff of THI. |
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