In 2002, Lamb's Fold Center for Women and Children and Trinity Services, Inc. formed an innovative partnership to provide permanent housing options for women disabled by mental illness and their children. Trinity Services is the premier provider of residential and educational services for persons with disabilities in our area, with over 50 years of expertise in all facets of service. This collaboration has resulted in a HUD-funded, scattered-site permanent housing program serving women and their children after they have completed a transitional housing program.

Residents of this program receive the same supportive services as those in the Lamb's Fold Center for Women and Children: food, clothing, personal care items, counseling, domestic violence services, transportation, advocacy, tutoring, educational/vocational opportunities, life skills training, and a case manager dedicated to this program.

Lamb's Fold provides some of the services and Trinity provides some of the services for this program, the first of its kind in our area. Dual supervision of the project lessens the management burden on either organization. This collaboration has resulted in other benefits for both organizations, such as employment opportunities for Lamb's Fold residents with Trinity Services. Trinity's expertise in group homes and federal guidelines has been a great asset to this endeavor.

The objective of this program is to assist clients in maintaining a permanent home for their families, keeping them out of the shelters and eliminating the need for many outside services. Residents are encouraged to work or attend school as their disability allows them.

Referrals for residency come from the Lamb's Fold Center for Women and Children as well as Daybreak Center, the emergency shelter in Will County.

1. How is this program different from your other programs?

Residents have their own private apartment, located in various areas of the City of Joliet. Each resident is responsible for their housekeeping, laundry, shopping, child care, etc. Building maintenance is handled by the landlord.

As a HUD-funded program, there are certain criteria for eligibility and continuing residency, which are determined by HUD. This program has some guidelines and expectations but overall, it affords greater independence and less supervision than the shelter programs.

2. How can I participate?

Referrals for residency come from staff of Lamb's Fold Center for Women and Children and from Daybreak Center. Families need to become stabilized through a transitional housing program prior to becoming part of the Permanent Housing Program.

3. I don't have any furniture or dishes. Do I need them?

No. The apartments are completely furnished, including dishes, linens, food, paper products, and virtually anything you would need for housekeeping.

4. Can I take them with me when I leave the program?

Yes, these items are yours and you may take them with you should you wish to leave the program.

5. What extra benefits would I get?

All the services available to shelter residents are available to Permanent Housing Program residents: food, clothing, personal care items, holiday items, transportation help, counseling, case management, tutoring, etc.

6. How long could I stay in an apartment?

This is a HUD-funded program with residency criteria; as long as a resident meets the expectations of the program, and funding continues, there is no ending date. The program goal is to provide PERMANENT housing for women and children through this program for as long as they desire it.