What is the Homebase housing program?
Homebase at YWCA Fernhurst Residence is a program that offers eligible, economically disadvantaged women the opportunity to prepare for a transition from challenging life circumstances to permanent housing. These women and their children are offered a clean, safe place to live and are supported by YWCA staff, the Fernhurst resident community, learning events, mentoring, access to computers and rental subsidy. Participants contribute to the community by giving two hours of volunteer work each week. The goal is that participants thrive during their stay; become more economically self-sufficient through program support with jobs, money management; and obtaining permanent housing. The rental subsidy offered by the program is dependent on community support.
How do I know if I am eligible?
If you meet the following criteria, you will be eligible for an interview:
- Female, 18 years or older
- Lack stable housing
- Currently employed, or actively seeking employment
- Committed to working toward self-sufficiency
- Able to live unassisted and function well in a community setting
- Available to volunteer two hours per week at the Fernhurst Residence facility
What are the fees?
$30 or less* per night, per person, or per family of two *based on funding and space availability
$30 reservation deposit
$50 basic annual membership
How long am I able to stay?
You may stay in the Homebase housing program for 12 months at your initial program rate, and then 6 months at the next level of your program rate. Residents may then stay up to six more months at the regular published, non-program rate.
What will the YWCA provide?
Residence Rooms: Our rooms are designed to sleep two women with an adjoining bathroom between suites. All rooms are furnished with two single beds, two dressers, one telephone and free high-speed internet. Each guest has access to a personal, locking closet that provides an additional level of security and privacy. The bathroom has a shared vanity and separate locking doors for the shower and toilet amenities. You may share the bathroom with one (1) to three (3) women.
Meals: Program rates include breakfast and dinner, served seven days a week. Breakfast consists of coffee, milk, fruit, muffins, oatmeal and cereal. Dinner generally consists of salad, rice, steamed vegetables, main entrée, dessert, coffee and juice. Dinner is prepared off-site and delivered daily. Breakfast is available Monday-Friday 6:30am-9:00am, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 7:30am-11:00am. Dinner is available daily from 5:30pm-6:30pm.
Facilities and Amenities: Fernhurst Residence provides women with common areas for work and studies, recreation, relaxation and other daily activities. The computer lab provides guests with free computer access, internet availability and workshops during office hours. The television lounge offers a furnished area that can be utilized for meetings, visits and recreation. The dining room is an open-air environment with kitchenette amenities, such as a sink, microwave, toaster, blender, rice cooker, toaster oven, and hot water for coffee or tea. The first floor offers coin-operated laundry and vending machines. Additional storage lockers are available on the second and third floor utility rooms. Additional amenities can be rented, such as parking, private mail boxes, mini-refrigerators, and telephone access. Any incoming telephone calls for guests are included in the nightly rate, and voicemail capability is included.
Economic Advancement: The Economic Advancement Network Coordinator (ENAC) and Fernhurst Residence staff is dedicated to offering women the opportunity to gain knowledge, education and skills in a variety of areas surrounding economic self-sufficiency. The Homebase housing program offers the fundamentals that support goals, such as securing permanent housing and finding better employment. Women will have access to a variety to resources through activities involving mentors, technology, diner lectures, partnering agencies, workshops and more.
Application Process
How to I apply?
All documents are available online, and in person at the YWCA Fernhurst and YWCA Laniakea. Please submit the following: 1) Homebase Application, 2) Employment and Income document, 3) Copy of photo I.D., 4) Pay stubs, 5) Statements providing proof of additional income such as bank statements, welfare statements, food stamps benefits, etc. You may fax, email, mail or drop-off this information to the YWCA – Fernhurst Residence. Please refer to our contact information on the application.
What happens after I turn in my application?
Completing the application does not guarantee that you will be accepted to the Homebase housing program. You will only be contacted by telephone for an admission interview if you meet the eligibility requirements and have provided the necessary documentation. If you do not have a telephone number listed, you will be contacted through email or mail.
How long does it take to get an interview after I apply?
After your document is reviewed and you are determined eligible for the program, you will be offered an interview. Be prepared to wait 7-10 business days for an interview offer.
What happens after the interview?
If it seems like a good fit and we have an opening, we will offer you a place in the Homebase program. In most cases, you are able to check-in the same day or later that week. If the Homebase program does not seem like your best option, we will advise you of some great alternatives!
How long is your wait-list?
Our availability is based on funding and space available. Currently, there are bed spaces available for women and families (mother and child, males under five years of age). If you are placed on a wait-list, we will give the estimated time of our next availability. Wait-listed applicants will be offered program entry prior to new applicants. If more than six-months have passed since being approved, you will be required to submit a new application.
