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Homeless Drop-In Center Becoming a Reality

A consortium of concern citizens from a faith-based group in the Quad Cities approached the YWCA of the Quad Cities Board of Directors last fall about the possibility of opening a youth drop-in center for the homeless in the partially vacant Annex north of the YWCA facility. The board felt that this tied in very well with YWCA's mission and voted to move forward with the project.

The Department of Children & Family Services of Illinois (DCFS) approved the plan for the YWCA to open the center without a special license. Committees were formed to address staffing, program and fundraising. The YWCA annex is currently undergoing construction to adapt the space for the drop-in center use.

The YWCA is also working with area service agencies to determine program structure for those who come in to the center. "I'm very happy with how the community has come together to support this initiative for our youth," said Executive Director Julie Larson. "We are going to provide a safe, supportive haven for homeless youth and give them some opportunities that they would not have had otherwise.

For more information call YWCA Executive Director Julie Larson, 309-788-3479 x12.