About Us
Our Commitment to Fostering Safer Communities
Learn about AWAC, our mission, and the impactful programs we've developed to address the unique needs of our community.
Our History
Since opening its doors in 1994, AWAC has dedicated 28 years to serving as a community-driven response, offering safe and supportive housing for vulnerable, street-entrenched women and girls. Known affectionately as “the shelter of last resort,” AWAC has expanded its services to include emergency shelter, a supported recovery program, supported housing, and a modified college program, all aimed at empowering individuals towards a path of stability and self-sufficiency. Through comprehensive support and relentless advocacy, AWAC remains committed to uplifting those it serves, making a lasting difference in the community.
Our Commitment
Recognizing the necessity for deeper connections with the women we serve, it became clear that mere emergency support was insufficient. These women often expressed a need for stable housing but faced significant barriers. To address this, we enhanced our services to include intensive supports like housing assistance, recovery opportunities, and advocacy efforts aimed at empowering them toward stability and self-sufficiency. Our mission evolved in response to these complex needs, leading to the creation of a supportive housing continuum and an increased focus on addiction recovery resources. In 2015, we introduced the Housing First Program, broadening our outreach to include men and signifying a major expansion of our services. This evolution reflects our commitment to adapt and create programs that meet the diverse needs of our community, underscoring our dedication to inclusivity and comprehensive support.
Housing Continuum
AWAC’s Housing Continuum consists of 6 levels of housing options that allow individuals to transition through the various stages with the ability to move back and forth within the levels.
The back-and-forth movement is often required when individuals destabilize and require more supports and prevents individuals from being discharged to the streets. From start to finish individuals accessing our Housing Continuum can have supported housing for up to 6 years.
Our Team
At the heart of AWAC's mission is a dedicated team of compassionate professionals and volunteers, each bringing their unique skills, experiences, and unwavering commitment to empower and support our community members in need. Meet the remarkable individuals behind our efforts, whose collaboration and hard work make all the difference.
Our Sponsors
Behind the impactful work of AWAC lies the generous support of our sponsors, whose contributions are pivotal in enabling us to extend a helping hand to those in need. Discover more about these compassionate organizations and individuals who help us turn our vision into reality, fostering resilience and positive change within our community.