OUR MISSION & VISION: At CWT it's our mission to provide support services and safe transitional housing to homeless women and their children in order foster and sustain their self-sufficiency. We do not subscribe to stereotypes and myths about the homeless. Instead, we recognize that homelessness is not a choice, and that there are many personal and societal factors that can contribute to itinerancy. At CWT we value diversity and encourage women to make their own decisions according to their culture, beliefs and experiences.

Our objective at CWT is to create opportunities for women and children to achieve their goals. Staff and residents at the center work together to build a stable and empowering environment for women and children. We offer tools, resources and education to encourage women to participate in their social environment. We rely on consistency, fairness, humanity and respect toward all people with mutual expectations for both staff and residents. Individual needs at the center are addressed with respect and empathy. We believe that all women and children have strength, worth, capabilities and the potential to grow.

OUR HISTORY: In February, 1985 the Champaign-Urbana community became acutely aware of the fact that there was a significant lack of shelter for homeless women and children in the area. This realization sparked a local campaign, and with the help of determined citizens and social service provider, the Women's of Emergency Shelter of Champaign County (WESCC) opened in June 1985. Within its first hour, WESCC welcomed its first three residents.

WESCC was initially located on Hill Street in Champaign and was staffed entirely by volunteers. After six months of operation, the Illinois Department of Public Aid presented the shelter with a grant, which allowed for paid staff members to join the WESCC team. When the lease of the Hill Street house expired, the shelter decided to purchase its own facility. The Champaign Community Development Program old WESCC the former Holy Cross Catholic Church parish house, which had be n donated to them earlier in the year. The Champaign Community Development Program then proceeded to assist with the rehabilitation of the house at it new location on Church Street, where it still stands today. This building was later named the Deloris Evans House in honor of one of WESCC's original founders.

After several years of operation, the executive board decided to change the shelter's focus from emergency housing to long-term transitional housing, and became the Center for Women in Transition. In 1996, CWT acquired, relocated and renovated the Clara Forbes House, an 1880's building obtained from the University of Illinois. 10 years later, with much community support, CWT opened the doors of the UPS Center, a brand new building equipped with a conference room, a computer lab and space for five additional families. These extra five units made it possible for CWT to house up to 48 women and children at any given time.

Since opening its doors, CWT has served over 3,000 women and children in need of support and temporary housing. Today, the staff and volunteers at the Center for Women in Transition continue to reach out and help homeless women and children to improve their lives. With faith, love and continued community support CWT knows that they can help make a difference in our world.