Empower      

Her Housing

Providing Safe, Supportive Housing for Women and Children

The Empower Her Housing program at YWCA Jamestown offers safe and affordable housing with service-enriched case management for women and children experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. Our program empowers residents by helping them identify their strengths, develop essential life skills, and transition toward independent, stable living.

About Empower Her Housing

Empower Her Housing is the only communal supportive housing program in Chautauqua County, offering two secured and structured locations—First House and Legacy House—that provide a safe and stable environment for up to 14 adult women (18+ years old) and their children, including boys up to age 12. Each family has a private bedroom, while common areas such as the living room, kitchen, and bathrooms are shared—fostering supportive relationships that help restore trust and encourage personal growth. 

The program is available for up to 2 years and is designed as a structured, goal-oriented experience. Residents meet regularly with staff to work on individualized goals, participate in communal living educational activities, and receive comprehensive support through case management, skill-building, housing navigation, and after-care services once stable housing is achieved. Empower Her Housing also offers specialized care for individuals who have experienced domestic violence, with trauma-informed practices guiding every aspect of the program. Please note: this is not emergency housing. Empower Her Housing is a longer-term, structured program designed for individuals who are ready to work toward stability and independence.

A monthly service fee, based on the number of household members, applies. This fee covers housing, utilities, staff support, and educational services.

Access to Empower Her Housing begins with a central intake process. Individuals can complete the online referral form, after which the Empower Her Housing Director will connect with them to complete an assessment and ensure communal living is the right fit for their needs.

Our Mission

Empower Her Housing’s mission is to reduce homelessness through recognition, intervention, and empowerment, ensuring that women and children have the resources they need for long-term stability.

Supportive Services We Provide

Residents receive on-site support from YWCA staff and community resources, including:

  • Crisis Intervention

  • Housing Needs Assessment

  • Case Management & Follow-Up

  • Safety Assessments

  • Legal & Personal Advocacy

  • Domestic Violence Support Group

  • Education & Employment Assistance

  • Landlord/Tenant Negotiations

  • Family Activities

  • Budgeting & Smart Shopping

  • Educational Workshops

Who Can Apply?

YWCA Jamestown’s Empower Her Housing is open to:

  • Women age 18 or older

  • Women with or without children

  • Non-custodial mothers

  • Pregnant teens (18+)

Housing Form

Program Benefits

  • Affordable Program Fee – Covers private bedroom, utilities, case management, housing navigation, and after-care support once stable housing is achieved

  • Secure Building – Locked building and personal living spaces ensure resident safety is always a top priority

  • Laundry Facilities – Located within the building for added convenience; guests provide their own detergent and dryer sheets and follow a shared laundry schedule

  • Handicapped Accessible – Inclusive accommodations for individuals with mobility needs

  • No Referral Required – Self-referrals welcome through our online form

At YWCA Jamestown, we are committed to helping women rebuild their lives with dignity, safety, and the resources they need for a brighter future.

Contact Us

Program Location:
401 N. Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701

Phone
716-488-2237 ext. 247