The Youth Women’s Christian Association’s First House, located at 116 Chandler Street. Submitted photo

The Youth Women’s Christian Association, in partnership with First Lutheran Church, will open a new transitional housing site in Jamestown at the end of the month.

The site is intended to provide women, and their children, with a safe and stable location. The new housing location will be called the First House, with the YWCA inviting residents from the community to join in celebrating the grand opening on Jan. 29, from 4 to 6 p.m. The event will first begin with some brief words from organizers and a ribbon cutting to properly kick-off the opening. Attendees will then have the chance to take a look inside of the First House, with guided tours being available. During this time, more information will be provided about the goals and visions of the First House.

“This project is about more than housing, it’s about creating opportunity, safety, and a path forward,” said Krisit Ternullo, director of programs at YWCA Jamestown. “Through partnership and community investment, First House will provide a foundation for individuals to rebuild and thrive.”

Brigetta Overcash, chair of the church’s First House committee, stated the connections of this project to the overall goals of the First Lutheran Church. Overcash noted that the church operates with the goal of benefitting, and improving the lives, of those in the local community. Additionally, Overcash stated that the building is a 124 year old parsonage, making it even more exciting to see the building repurposed to benefit those in the community.

“First House is a powerful example of what’s possible when community partners come together with a shared commitment to dignity and empowerment,” said Amanda Gesing, Executive Director of YWCA Jamestown. “By transforming this space into additional transitional housing, we are not only meeting an immediate housing need, but also investing in long-term stability and opportunity for women and children in our community. We are deeply grateful to First Lutheran Church and all of the partners who helped bring this vision to life.”

For any more information contact 716-488-2237.