The YWCA personal care facility on West Jefferson Street announced it was closing its doors and relocating patients Aug. 9. Twenty-four of 31 residents have been moved.

Of the 31 residents of the YWCA personal care home, which is closing next week, 24 have been relocated.

Elizabeth Short, the Butler YWCA's interim president and CEO, announced Aug. 9 that the personal care residence will close Sept. 24 due to rising care costs and stagnant or decreasing subsidies and pensions.

Short said the YWCA Montessori Preschool, Under Our Wing Independent Living and other YWCA outreach and programming will continue.

Immediately after the announcement of the closure, Beth Herold of the county Agency on Aging dug into the task of placing the elderly, mentally challenged or physically disabled residents in other facilities.

Short said Friday that so far, 24 residents have transitioned to new, safe living arrangements. The remaining residents, Short said, have individual plans to move to new locations before the closing date.

“Our partners at the county Area Agency on Aging and the Center for Community Resources have been a tremendous resource to our residents and their families throughout this process,” Short said.

She said the atmosphere at the facility has been touching since the announcement of the closure.

“There have been heartfelt good-byes between the residents and staff,” Short said, “and this speaks to the compassionate care we've provided to our residents over our many years of operation.”

Regarding the staff, Short said the YWCA has provided assistance with job placement and other help to workers.

“We've invited local employers to meet with our staff and shared information with staff about current job opportunities in their fields,” Short said.

The YWCA also hosted a resume and interviewing-skills workshop to assist employees in their job search, Short said.

Regarding the soon-to-be vacant space in the YWCA building on West Cunningham Street, Short said no decisions have been made as to how the space will be used in the future.

“Our priority and focus has been the residents in our care,” she said.

The closing of the care facility in no way represents the remainder of the programs or facilities at the Butler YWCA.

“We're committed to continuing our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women,” Short said.