However, Amanda Gesing, the executive director of the non-for-profit located at 401 N. Main St., does believe that the organization plays an integral role in bridging the gap between short-term and long-term solutions to the current homeless crisis.

“The YWCA Jamestown Transitional Housing program is not an emergency shelter, and it is not a long term housing service. The program falls in the middle of the two traditional housing modes offering transitional housing aimed at supporting single women and women with children that are homeless or at risk of being homeless. Transitional housing is an essential part of supporting people who are unhoused and is a vital safety net for people experiencing homelessness,” said Gesing. “The program specifically supports long term prevention of chronic and cyclical homelessness. Transitional housing is unique because residents can stay at the YWCA Jamestown for a few months to a few years depending on the individual’s needs and goals.”

Gesing explained how the YWCA, as an organization, has serviced and supported numerous women in its Transitional Housing program for multiple reasons and has helped launch program participants into stable, healthy, positive lifestyles.

“Women come to live here for a variety of reasons. Some come here because they are leaving unhealthy relationships, have cared for their parents and ultimately lost their housing when their parents passed away, their houses have been condemned leaving them with nowhere to turn, they are in need of stable housing after leaving drug treatment and mental health facilities and so many other circumstances,” said Gesing. “Each circumstance is unique, just like the women here and for each of them success is defined differently. Whatever the circumstance that has led to the need, we are glad we can provide a safe place to land with support to help empower them to reach their full potential.”

From left, Rebekah and Linda (last names withheld to protect privacy) are two The Young Women’s Christian Association, YWCA of Jamestown Transitional Housing program participants. Submitted photo

However, Gesing isn’t alone in her belief in the YWCA’s Transitional Housing program.

“The YWCA was a safety net for me. I was a young, single mother and I had absolutely no support. The program gives you the life-skills you need to succeed; I broke the chains of generational poverty because of the YWCA,” said Becky LaMountain, a resident of Jamestown. “The classes they teach like budgeting, job interview skills, networking, really can launch a person onto a successful life.”

A current YWCA employee, LaMountain, now a mother of three and homeowner, is currently giving back to the organization who she credits with saving her life, as an employee.

“I’m the office manager for the YWCA,” she said. “I own my home and have three wonderful children. When I had no one in my life, the YCA was there for me. When I was alone, struggling, the YWCA was my safety net.”

Gesing, echoed LaMountain’s statements.

“It is amazing what can be accomplished once the basic need of safe housing is met. We have had past residents obtain their GED, graduate from college, regain custody of their children and many more successes. We have also had seemingly small victories in growing confidence, connection to therapy and support services and finding hobbies to help deal with life stressors. Each success, large or small, is a building block to a foundation of long term stable housing.”

While the YWCA is probably not the first non-profit organization to come to one’s mind when addressing the homeless and unhoused population. However, it has close to 100 plus years of experience in combating it.

“When thinking of local organizations that are supporting the unhoused population in Chautauqua County, YWCA Jamestown may not always be the first organization to come to mind. The reality is that YWCA Jamestown has over 100 years experience in supporting women with housing,” added Gesing. “When the building located on the corner of Fourth and Main in Jamestown was first built in 1909 women would write to the YWCA to request housing so they could move to the bustling city to find employment, further their education or develop work skills.”

For more information visit ywcajamestown.com or call (716) 488-2237.