Center for Women in Transition

Center for Women in Transition (CWIT) is the community's shelter for homeless women—both with and without children. CWIT has three homes that can accommodate 19 women and 25 children (The third home was added in September 2006). Their mission is “to provide homeless women and children support services and safe transitional housing to foster and sustain self sufficiency.” Women can stay up to two years, but the average stay is about nine months while they are participating in appropriate community activities designed to help them become independent. Based on the number of women who leave the facility with the ability to support themselves and sustain their independent living arrangements, the agency has a 70% success rate based the women leaving the facility having the ability to support themselves and their independent living arrangement. Both nationally and locally, the number of homeless women is increasing. CWIT provides a very valuable service to Champaign-Urbana and they depend heavily on community volunteer support. Special needs are: pillows, diapers, towels, deodorant, hygiene supplies, and lotions—other items may be needed at particular times.