THI's 2006-2009 Strategic Plan

Transitional Housing, Inc. has served women who are homeless in the Cleveland area for twenty years.  This significant benchmark affords us with the opportunity to review past successes and challenges and to plan for the future.

In the early years, issues that precipitated homelessness among the women we served were more easily overcome.  Today, women entering Transitional Housing through public and private agency referrals face an array of difficult issues.  Substance abuse and serious psychological disorders can impede personal growth and productivity.  In our changing economic environment, we see women who lack marketable skills.  An increasing number of women have been involved in the legal system, including many more with felony records.  Growing numbers of young women are also graduating from the foster care system with little positive direction to their lives.

Now is the right time to look at our entire program.  As in the past, we are committed to tailoring our operations to the changing needs of the times, adapting our programs to help women overcome these increasingly challenging barriers.  Likewise, we will identify the appropriate skills needed among staff and volunteers and explore opportunities for expanding collaborations to meet the needs of those we serve.

The shift within the homeless community to a Housing First model also compels us to examine THI’s entire operation.  Housing First is a case management model.  Individuals who are homeless move directly to permanent housing.  The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) policies are encouraging this model.  THI must examine how we can best support women who may be making this transition and be sure that we are accomplishing the goals that are best for all concerned.

As demonstrated by HUD’s Housing First initiative, funding priorities, especially among government sources, have shifted in recent years as well.  It is essential that we diversify and maximize the funds that are needed to help women at Transitional Housing become independent and self-determined.

Our facility on West 25^th street is fifty years old.  Over the past twenty years, it has been home to over 1,400 women.  We are examining facility modifications that are both essential to providing a safe environment and that will enable us to adapt to the changing needs of those who are homeless. 

Transitional Housing has been helping women to become independent and self-sufficient for twenty years.  LaVerne Hayes is a former resident and current member of THI’s Board of Directors.  This is her message to THI’s future participants.  “THI is a place of hope and inspiration for any woman who wants to turn her life around.  Today you are a new woman not that woman who walked in here.  Today you are a woman who can achieve anything.”  Implementation of this plan will help us to stay on the cutting edge of the effort to end or seriously reduce homelessness in Greater Cleveland.

Mission

Transitional Housing, Inc. provides homeless women with a safe environment, programs and services to promote self-sufficiency and independence to end the cycle of homelessness.

Vision

Transitional Housing, Inc. will be a catalyst for social change by supporting women as they transform their lives and by working toward an end to homelessness

 Core Values

Belief in Human Potential

We believe people have the capacity to make positive choices. They have the will and ability to make changes to help themselves and to contribute to the community.

Compassion & Respect

We strive to have a deep awareness of the physical, psychological and spiritual needs of people.

We appreciate others, holding each individual in high esteem.

Social Justice

We believe in the value of advocating for individual opportunity and systemic change in our society.

Excellence

We strive to provide the highest quality in the areas of best practice programming, management

and services.

Integrity & Accountability

We strive for ethical actions and rational decisions that reflect  honesty and responsibility.

2006-2009 Goals & Objectives

  I. Develop strategies to meet the ongoing, changing needs of program participants.

 II. Develop an advocacy strategy that promotes the elimination of homelessness.

III. Institute a comprehensive financial plan that will enable Transitional Housing, Inc.

     to meet the needs of program participants, stakeholders and the community.

IV. Seek opportunities to partner and collaborate with other agencies in order  to increase THI’s

     effectiveness and efficiency

 V. Shape a comprehensive facilities plan that meets programming needs.

VI. Craft an organizational structure that supports the effective utilization of human resources.

 Strategic Planning Committee

The following individuals have committed to participating

in a six month strategic planning process.

January 28, 2006 Planning Day

Strategic Planning Committee