Transitional Housing For Women Opens In A2

ANN ARBOR- On May 30, WIT (Women in Transition) House began operating here. The program was created by the Shelter Association of Arm Arbor and the Coalition for Displaced Women. WIT House will provide housing for seven homeless women at a time, for up to 18 months. Liz Cramer, a member of the Coalition, says WIT was started because women "dealing with issues such as mental illness, domestic violence, and recovery from chemical dependency need time and on-going support to help them make the transition to independent living."

Cathy Zick, Executive Director of the Shelter Association of Ann Arbor, says that expanding into the transitional housing area will break the cycle of homelessness that keeps so many women continuously returnng to night shelters.

The house was donated by the City of Ann Arbor and moved from Division Street to N. Ashley Street. All renovation work and fumishings were donated by volunteers.

Half the funding for the program will come from rent collected and the other half will come from a HUD matching grant. For information on volunteering or on any part of the program cali WIT House Program Coordinator Carol McCabe at 665-6955.