Chrysalis To Wings Opens Shelter to Serve the Homeless in Ellis County Texas

Chrysalis to Wings provides shelter together with necessary resources that allow clients to achieve independence.

A new homeless facility, Chrysalis to Wings (CTW) is now open, and is poised to make a significant positive impact on homelessness in Ellis County, Texas. Chrysalis to Wings' primary focus is on providing transitional housing and services necessary to move clients from homelessness to a level of self-sufficiency that will allow them to achieve independence.

The Need. Chrysalis to Wings fills an urgent need in our community. Hundreds of people in Ellis County face homelessness every year. A typical client for CTW is a mother with one or more children. Their needs are immediate and critical, and their numbers are only increasing with rapidly rising rents and overall cost of living in Ellis County. Other housing options are at their limit. The Housing Authority usually has a two-year waitlist. Subsidized housing has about a 6-12 month wait.

The biggest obstacle beyond housing availability is a lack of affordable/extended-hour daycare. Without safe placement for their children, these women cannot go to work. The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment is $1200 per month, yet the average income for our clients is $2000/month. The hardship is unfathomable.

Not Just Housing. Chrysalis to Wings is focused on providing client-centric services and pooling all available assets necessary to support transformation to self-sufficiency. By partnering with other social service agencies, CTW is able to provide a comprehensive range of services to aid those experiencing homelessness find permanent homes, promote health, and rebuild their lives. These services include clothing, food, toiletries, identification document replacement, job search assistance, transportation assistance, childcare resources, medical care and prescription assistance, financial literacy, and counseling.

In addition to transitional housing services, Chrysalis to Wings provides emergency services. When a situation becomes immediate and acute, CTW is here to help. Emergency services are available around the clock, every day, to anyone regardless of gender, residency, or situation when referred by the local law enforcement agencies or hospitals.

CTW Now and In the Future. CTW is currently serving women, women with children and legally married couples. Services will be expanded to house single men and single fathers with children when possible. Plans for a new larger facility are underway. Ultimately, it will include space for community engagement, a thrift store for sustained income, and a sliding-scale daycare operating daily with extended hours to accommodate parents working second shifts.

“Fighting homelessness requires a holistic approach, and we’re grateful for the support we have received and continue to get from the Ellis County community,” said Gary Stevens, President of the CTW Board.

The pricing model for Chrysalis to Wings is zero cost to the clients. Once our clients are employed, a portion of their income is set aside in an escrow account as savings toward their initial deposits and rent when they move into an apartment.

How You Can Help. Chrysalis to Wings is a faith-based, 501(c)3 transitional/emergency housing facility. The operational expenses at CTW are met through donations, grants, churches and service organizations, and periodic fundraising activities by the CTW organization. Your financial support is crucial for CTW to maintain this much needed ministry in our community. To donate, go to www.chrysalistowings.org/donate.

More information about CTW can be found at www.chrysalistowings.org.