Center For Women in Transition, Champaign, Illinois
508 East Church Street, Champaign, IL 61820
(217)352-7151
info@cwt-cu.org
Accessing and Using Services
What is The Center for Women in Transition?
The Center for Women in Transition, or CWT, is a transitional housing program located in Champaign, IL serving women and children from all over East Central Illinois who are experiencing homelessness. We are unable to provide services to males over the age of 14.
I need shelter now. What should I do?
We are unable to provide emergency shelter and services at the Center. However, we do partner with a local church to provide this service from January through mid-April. For more information about the Emergency Shelter or other shelters in the area,
please call us at 217-352-7151.
If you are experiencing homelessness due to domestic violence, mental health issues, or substance abuse, there may be more appropriate resources to meet your need. Please see our community resource page for contact information.
I want to enter the program. What should I do first?
At CWT we ask all women interested in participating in the program to call or visit our office and complete what’s called a ‘phone log’. During the phone log, the staff member will ask you some simple questions about your personal information and current situation. After you complete the phone log, your name may be placed on the waiting list (sorry, we are often full!).
If and when a space appropriate for you becomes available, we will contact you to set up an assessment appointment. During the assessment appointment, we will get a better understanding of your needs and goals, give you information on the challenges of community living, and determine if our program is a good fit for you. After the assessment is completed, you may be offered entry into the program.
Please note that availability of beds at CWT is unpredictable and the waiting period for an opening can last for days, weeks, or even months. We realize this can be frustrating when you have an immediate need, but we encourage you to check in with us regularly if you are on the waiting list to make sure we have your most current contact information and to update us on your status. If you are currently homeless, staff members will be happy to refer you to other shelters in East Central Illinois, or inform you of other resources that may be useful.
I've been admitted to CWT. What can I expect?
We recognize that community living can be very challenging. Staff will help you adjust to this new living situation, your responsibilities and the challenges in community living. We believe that we are in partnership and that both staff and residents must be clear in communication and cooperation.
During your first few days at CWT, you will be expected to go through an orientation process with a staff member.
During the orientation, we will introduce you to the policies and expectations of CWT and help you get to know the staff and residents. Residents are expected to attend all required meetings and groups, complete a daily and weekly chore, and follow the curfew requirements. In addition, we expect residents to clean up behind themselves, be respectful of others (both staff and other residents), and be working toward their goals to achieve self-sufficiency.
How will my Case Manager help me during my stay at CWT?
All residents are expected to have weekly meetings with their Case Manager. Your Case Manager will work closely with you to help prioritize and achieve your goals and also provide you with referrals and link you with other agencies and resources. Your Case Manager will offer support and guidance, but they will hold you accountable for your actions while you are in our program. Your Case Manager will help you to discover opportunities and assist you in making the most of them.
Are CWT residents expected to pay?
At CWT we will never turn an applicant away due to lack of income. However, once income is established, all residents are expected to pay a program fee. The fee is $60 per month or 30% of your monthly income-whichever is less. This rate applies to both single residents and women with families.
Is CWT handicap accessible?
Yes! (ADA compliant)
Will the Center provide me with clothes and other necessities?
The Center can provide residents with basic needs, such as clothing, food, hygiene products, linens, and baby supplies. All are subject to donated availability.
Are CWT residents required to have a job before moving in?
No-at CWT we realize all women have different interests and goals. For some residents, immediate employment is a primary objective, while others feel that job training or schooling is a priority. We encourage you to pursue the opportunities that will strengthen your skills and improve your way of life.
What will my living arrangement be like at CWT?
At CWT we have both family rooms, which women to share with their children, and shared rooms for single women. Each room is equipped with beds, dressers and closets. If you need additional storage space, we can put a limited selection of your belongings in a locked basement unit. For more information on our facilities, visit the Facilities page.
Are CWT residents allowed to have visitors?
Residents are permitted to host visitors during the following hours: Wednesdays from 4-6pm, Saturdays from 2:30-5:30pm, and Sundays 2:30-5:30pm. Special arrangements can be made for out-of-town guests. Visitations with children in foster care and meetings with caseworkers from other agencies can be arranged at any time.
I have children. What services will you provide for them?
At CWT we have an onsite Children's Program Coordinator who provides structured activities for kids living at the shelter. When these activities are not in session, mothers are expected to supervise their children at all times. Case Managers will also work with mothers to help them arrange for childcare, checkups, transportation and school enrollment.
Is anyone ever asked to leave CWT?
At CWT, we always hope that clients will be able to successfully complete our program. However, we do require participants to follow certain policies and procedures. If a resident intentionally disregards our guidelines on a repeated basis, or fails to make a good faith effort towards their goals, the consequences may be a notice to leave. The following behaviors could result in immediate dismissal from CWT: acts of physical violence, theft, onsite drug or alcohol use, and malicious disregard for another resident's confidentiality, We strictly enforce our policies, but we never like to see a resident leave before they reach their goals.
Am I eligible to receive any services after I move out of CWT?
We currently have a limited aftercare program for CWT alums. If supply allows, we can offer former residents food, hygiene products and furniture. Those in need of aftercare items are encouraged to call our office to find out what we have on hand.