Third Street Alliance has approximately 20 rooms housing women and families on the third and fourth floor. Each family has a room of their own and shares a bathroom with 2-3 other families. Kitchens, lounges, and play areas are shared by all residents.

Why are these families homeless?

The women residing at Third Street Alliance have become homeless for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it's as simple as losing a job and having no support system or savings plan in place. Sometimes a debilitating disease takes its toll before disability benefits can be accessed. And sometimes the path is more complex, winding around alcohol and/or drug abuse before ending abruptly at homelessness. There are many, many reasons that women and families find themselves homeless. And at Third Street Alliance there are just as many opportunities for them to get back on their feet.

What does Third Street Alliance do for them?

First and foremost, Third Street Alliance offers a safe, stable environment for the families. If emergency supplies are needed, Third Street Alliance can provide those as well. Once the women are settled into their new "home", the real work begins.

Unemployed women are required to meet with the Education & Employment Specialist. They will enter a job search program and will receive tips and training to help them find a job that can support them and their family. If necessary, the women will enter a GED course to obtain a certificate. Employed women are encouraged to meet with the Education & Employment Specialist to determine if more training or education could help them in their current job. Some women even choose to take this opportunity to continue their education at local community colleges or trade schools.

Third Street Alliance assists women with children in finding childcare for their children while they are involved in job search or while they work. Some of the mothers are given parenting courses to help tham as well. Play areas are set up on each floor for the kids to use while they are here. All residents also have access to the pool and gym.

What makes the shelter at Third Street Alliance special?

The first big difference is the amount of accountability and personal responsibility we expect from each resident. Our goal is to prepare these women to be self-sufficient when they leave us, and we prepare them for that by requiring that they provide their own transportation and household necessities. By encouraging them each day, Third Street Alliance is helping them to strengthen their independence and self-confidence.

Third Street Alliance also has 24-hour Support Staff for the residents. This staff is here to assist the women during the times that primary staff is unavailable. Support Staff spends a lot of their time talking with the women, earning their trust so that they can help them through this rough time in their lives. This is the staff you will see playing cards or watching movies with the women. This is the staff that takes the children into the gym to play ball or helps them make Mother's Day gifts for their moms. This is the staff that the residents come to for advice, support, and healthy, supportive interactions.

Resident Housing wish list- click here.