Organization and Mission
WCDO headquarters and transitional housing, opened in 1988
Women's Community Development Organization (WCDO, formerly Women's Transitional Housing Coalition, Inc.) is a non-profit 501 c (3) organization located in Duluth, Minnesota. WCDO was established in 1986 with the vision of offering services that assist women and children who are experiencing violence, homelessness and chronic poverty and to create an environment that strengthens a woman's belief in her ability to influence the direction of her life. WCDO focuses on families and individuals with the fewest resources who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. WCDO provides advocacy and services to stabilize households and foster community involvement and self-determination among women and children. WCDO has been highly successful in developing a variety of affordable housing options and programs to accomplish its vision.
WCDO has a dual mission:
To create an environment that strengthens a woman's belief in her ability to influence the direction of her life,
and
To develop a range of long-term, safe, affordable housing options for and with low-income women.
2007 Board of Directors
Kathleen Busche - Board Chair
Kelly Utyro-Co-Chair
Gloria Moen-Treasurer
Pauline Micke-Secretary
Lisa Luokkala
Raymone Kral
Kate Wigren
Current Staff
JoAnne Axtell-Interim Executive Director
Diane H. - Accountant & Administrative Assistant
Paige H.-Women's Transitional Housing Advocate
Doreen S.- Women's Transitional Housing Advocate
Tara G. - SAFAH Advocate & HMIS
Jenna W. - Sheila's Place & Transitional Housing Advocate
Penny W. - DHS Giiwe Advocate, Mobile Team
Quinton J.-Children's Program Coordinator
Women's Community Development Organization
1401 East 2nd Street, Apt. A
Duluth, MN 55805
218-728-6437
Fax: 218-728-2281
joanne@wthc.org