WISH LIST $100: weekly transportation for 20 volunteers to youth program sites; $500: training and GED materials to launch tutoring program for 10 residents; $1000: facilitators for 4-week Women’s Wellness Workshop

Transitional Housing Corporation provides safe and affordable housing to 27 homeless families in its two transitional housing buildings in the District. But the idea is not just to put a roof over their heads (though that is no small thing); it is to provide families with the skills they need successfully to transition from homelessness to permanent housing. The process begins with a comprehensive assessment to determine a family’s immediate and longer term needs. Next comes counseling on a wide range of topics including job search and interview skills, and independent living (budgeting, spending, taking care of a home). A popular Women’s Wellness Workshop addresses health, parenting, nutrition, employment, and credit counseling. And youth services programs include child advocacy, counseling, and substance abuse prevention. All residents must remain drug-free. Of the 150 families who have graduated from the program, 88% have moved into permanent housing and remained there for at least one year. Twelve families are now homeowners. Generous donors and active volunteers contribute to the transformational change. You can do it too.

Polly Donaldson, Executive Director 5101 16th Street NW Washington, DC 20011 202 291 5535 www.thcdc.org