Community Partner
UB Believers

We didn’t have the money, we didn’t know how to do it, we didn’t have the resources, and the state said it was too expensive and too old.

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On August 8, 2005, Carolyn's House opened its doors to homeless women and children who are in need of long-term, transitional, supportive housing. Carolyn's House is located at 542 Sixth Street, Niagara Falls, NY and is owned and operated by the YWCA of Niagara.

Since the mission of the YWCA is the empowerment of women and the elimination of racism, Carolyn's House is more than just a place to live, it's a place where women in need can start over. Eligible residents are given the help they need with access to a variety of programs that will strengthen their spirit and skills so they can work toward a life of self-sufficiency. Each resident is given the chance to develop job skills, receive one-on-one counseling, participate in parenting workshops, learn to cook nutritious meals, shop on a thrifty budget, learn how to manage their finances and have access to culinary and food service job-ready training - all while their children are cared for in a clean, well-staffed on-site day care or attend school.

Carolyn's House is not just a home for women of domestic violence. Homelessness can be caused by a number of circumstances and Carolyn's House is there to help all women who find themselves in this unfortunate situation.

The fully-renovated, four-story brick building has 19 apartments - studio, one, two or three bedroom units - complete with new stoves and refrigerators. In addition, each resident is provided with a new bed, an item many women have never before owned.

Visit The Carolyn's House Website

Carolyn's House Hosts Weekly Open House Events
Each Thursday, Carolyn's House hosts an open house event for human service providers and/or organizations which may come in contact with homeless women and homeless women with children that would benefit from the Carolyn's House transitional housing program.

These groups also may be able to contribute to the on-site programs offered to all residents. All attendees are treated to food samples prepared by our residents during the daily culinary course, a tour of the home and can ask staff questions about the program. A limited number of spots for each open house are available. Reservations are required. Anyone interested in attending the open house should contact the director at (716) 278-9662 to make a reservation.

Support Self Sufficiency at Carolyn's House
The Catering Crew at Carolyn's House, comprised of our Vocational Culinary Arts students and led by Chef Keith Kallen - a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America - is now providing catering services to agencies and businesses in the community. If you have a breakfast, luncheon, dinner or business meeting and would like to provide quality food and service while giving an advantage to the disadvantaged, then you should contact The Catering Crew at Carolyn's House. By booking a catering job, you could be a part of providing training and on-the-job experience for the culinary students. The Catering Crew uses the finest ingredients and locally grown produce when available. Donations received from catered events help the YWCA of Niagara continue its mission of helping homeless women become self-sufficient.

Visit The Catering Crew Website