Serving With a Housing First Philosophy
ACCESS Provides emergency shelter for women and children experiencing homelessness. We embrace the Housing First philosophy, a best practice approach to addressing homelessness based on the idea that all people should have access to safe shelter as a basic human dignity. ACCESS participates in a coordinated entry process through 2-1-1 to connect women ages 18 and older experiencing homelessness with our shelter. When women and their children enter emergency shelter, they are offered a safe, clean, and secure space for their stay; three nutritious meals and snacks daily; laundry services; phone and computer access; transportation; and individualized support services.
Women Only Room (singles)
ACCESS offers shelter for both single women and women with children. We have seven beds available in recently renovated rooms for our single residents. Each space is divided by cubicles to offer privacy for our single residents during their stay in the shelter and is equipped with a nightstand, under-bed storage, lamp, dresser, and bulletin board.
Family Room
ACCESS has a total of ten rooms for women with children. Each family room has enough beds for anywhere from 2-6 people. Boys and girls under the age of 18 are allowed to remain with their mothers during their time in shelter. In addition to rooms, families can gather in the dining room and play areas.
Services Provided
Housing Solutions & Skill Development
When entering shelter, each resident is paired with a case manager within 48 hours to create an individualized service plan with goals to address their unique barriers to attaining permanent housing. Women who enter shelter with children are assigned to our Child Advocacy team to ensure that the educational, emotional, and material needs of each child are being met. ACCESS offers a variety of classes to develop skills, boost self-esteem and attain self-sufficiency during their stay in shelter.
Health & Wellness
We recognize that health and wellness are essential for residents to overcome barriers to permanent housing. In addition to our on-site Health & Wellness Coordinator and Community Health Care Worker, we partner with Cleveland Clinic Akron General, The University of Akron School of Nursing, and AxxessPointe to offer physical assessments, counseling, recovery coaching, addiction referrals, peer support groups, over-the-counter medications, and health education.
After ACCESS
AfterACCESS supports residents as they exit shelter into permanent housing. This program provides child advocacy services, classes, case management, and health and wellness clinics to support a successful transition into a new environment and improve long-term housing stability.