June Kjome Place

Houston County Women's Resources has provided safe shelter for victims of domestic violence, including children, since 1981. These efforts have been conducted by agency staff, volunteer advocates, and volunteer community members who opened their homes to those fleeing violence. Through our experiences a gap in services became

apparent: the recurrent need for decent, affordable and available housing for a period of transition. Without adequate housing and support, all too often victims return to a violent situation. Houston County Women's Resources (staff, board, volunteers and survivors) decided in 1993 to begin the development of transitional housing. Our doors opened January 1st, 1998.

The purpose of June Kjome Place is to provide independant apartment living for up to 24 months to income-eligible women and children experiencing homelessness, and to provide a full range of supportive services designed to increase self sufficiency and quality of life. Support services for residents will consist of all current Houston County Women's Resources Services:

Plus, these HCWR services are supplemented by goal planning and coordination, monthly resident meetings and enrichment workshops, training opportunities and activities for women and children. HCWR staff will provide information and support to new applicants with any available rental assistance and permanent housing options.

-Applicant must be without adequate housing and not have the financial means to obtain such shelter.

-Women with children, single women, other homeless families, and families on case by case emergency basis. (fire, etc.)

-Applicants must have the ability to live independantly with the support services available and demonstrate the ability and willingness to follow the program guidelines.

-Applicants must not be actively involved in perpetuating criminal or violent behavior, or actively mentally ill (in crisis), or actively chemically dependent. Applicants who have histories of mental illness, chemical dependency, and/or criminal behavior will be considered on a case by case basis.

-Because the housing units are not set up as safe homes, individuals who have recently left an abusive relationship must have worked with a domestic abuse advocate or professional to stabilize the crisis prior to entering the program so as to insure the safety of the applicant and other program participants.

-Interested parties must complete an application and interview prior toa rental agreement with the agency. Priority is given to the local women and children served by Houston County Women's Resources.

June Kjome Place extents special thanks to Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, Southeast Minnesota Multi County Housing Redevelopment Authority, Minnesota Center for Crime Victim Services and Department of Children, Families and Learning, the United Way of La Crosse Area and Bluff Country Family Resources members and supporters for funding, guidance and support in making this dream a reality.

SAFETY ALERT: Your abuser can monitor your use of your computer and the Internet. If you are in danger, please use a safer computer, call 911 or your local hotline, or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). For more details, click here.