Women’s Residency Program

Woman at her Stove, Shelter Services, YWCA Columbus

ON A MISSION TO EMPOWER WOMEN

YWCA Columbus’ Women’s Residency program is a permanent housing program that provides long-term housing and supportive services for nearly 100 women. Many are recovering from addiction, facing battles with job loss or low incomes, or managing disabilities and other obstacles. Our approach at Women’s Residency is person-centered and tailored to individual needs. By providing our residents with the resources they need to get back on their feet and move forward with their next steps, we are building a stronger Columbus community.

  • Services We Offer

    Services We Offer

    The voluntary services we offer include: wellness & recovery support with access to benefits, an onsite Resource Center offering computers with internet, phones, employment assistance, and classes in budgeting, financial literacy and a GED program.

  • Staff That Care

    Staff That Care

    Available to all residents, our Supportive Services staff assist with developing personal goals and provide access to community resources and benefits. Engagement Specialists are also available 24 hours and provide workshops and social activities.

  • Meaningful Partnerships

    Meaningful Partnerships

    Community partners provide our residents with substance abuse recovery support, medical help from visiting nurse practitioners, and encouragement to identify personal strengths and promote their self-agency.

“When you don't have to think about how you are going to survive and how you are going to keep a roof over your head, you can focus on bettering yourself.”

- Gaynell Farmer, Women's Resident

2023 Impact:

  • 104 Women Served

  • 87% Successfully Maintained Housing

FAQS for Potential Residents

  • If you are homeless and in need of immediate assistance, call the homeless hotline at 614-274-7000.

    To qualify to live at YWCA Women's Residency Program, you must be:

    • A currently homeless female with a certified disability;

    • An unaccompanied female, age 18 or over, who is not a full-time student;

    • Referred through Community Shelter Board's Coordinated Entry Program

    • Eligible for rental subsidy as determined by Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA)

    • Total annual gross income must be at or below the Very Low-Income Limit (50% of AMI)

  • Applicants must:

    • Complete and sign the Unified Supportive Housing System (USHS) application obtained through a homeless shelter coordinator or Mental Health Case Manager;

    • Provide verification of identity and social security number;

    • Be a U.S. citizen or national or noncitizen with eligible immigration status as defined by HUD’s Section 214 rule;

    • Meet the requirements set forth by Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA);

    • Meet the Low-Income Tax Credit (LIHTC) program’s income eligibility.

      • Note: There is not a minimum income requirement.

  • Our team is here to assist you! Please get in touch with a member of our staff based on the descriptions below.

    Michelle Chieffo, Property Director | mchieffo@ywcacolumbus.org | 614.224.9121 ext. 1270
    Michelle oversees the Griswold building that houses the Women's Residency program. She can answer questions about application criteria, enrollment, and other qualifications for residents.

    Kim Hamilton, Director of Women's Residency | khamilton@ywcacolumbus.org | 614.627.1251
    Kim oversees the programming and services provided to residents, including the onsite resource center, community partnerships, and events.

The YWCA Women’s Residency program is CARF accredited for Case Management/Services Coordination: Integrated: SUD/Mental Health (Adults)

Equal Housing Opportunity Statement: We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.