The problem of homelessness is a significant one in San Diego County. The YWCA offers PASSAGES, a program for homeless women, and operates the Cortez Hill Family Center, a residential facility for homeless families.

cortez hill family center
The Cortez Hill Family Center is one of only three residential programs for homeless families in the City of San Diego. Located in the Cortez Hill area of downtown, the center provides families with individual apartment-style housing. The program is 90 days in length and includes:

• Counseling and parenting classes

• Job skill assessment, training and tutoring assistance

• Educational and play activities for children

• Financial management with mandatory savings plan

• Medical assessments and services

• Access to the YWCA's Legal Services Department

Nearly 60 percent of Cortez Hill Family Center residents find permanent housing upon completing the program.

passages
PASSAGES is a three-stage structured program for homeless women. With a strong emphasis on counseling and career development, the program is designed to provide single homeless women with the tools necessary to obtain employment and permanent housing. Nearly 200 women are served each year.

Stage 1: Stabilization.
Women receive three months of intensive counseling and supportive services.

Stage 2: Women in Transition.
Women focus on finding and maintaining employment, paying 30 percent of their income in rent each month.

Stage 3: Supportive Independent Living.
Women may stay up to one year in this stage, as they continue to work and gain the skills and confidence necessary for independent living.

The women in PASSAGES are able to remain in the program for a total of two years.