There are services in every state for homeless women and children.
Homeless women and children are a vulnerable population who need empathy and understanding. Fortunately, there are several programs around the United States that offer housing, case management and other assistance to homeless women and their children. These services vary by location, but all aim to keep women safe, help them become self-sufficient and provide permanent and safe housing for them and their children.
Emergency Shelters
Women who are the victims of domestic violence or who are fleeing an abusive situations can often seek the services of an emergency shelter rather than turning to the streets. Emergency services offered at a crisis shelter include housing, food, clothing, support groups and referrals to other community services. Emergency shelters are designed to be temporary, but staff members will often work with clients to secure more permanent housing options. The YWCA is the largest provider of domestic violence shelters in the U.S.
Transitional Housing Programs
Transitional housing programs offer homeless women an opportunity to learn skills, whether employment, vocational, educational, or social, which will help them to gain permanent housing and independence. Transitional housing for women and children involves placement in an apartment owned by an agency or corporation that subsidizes rent. Case management services, counseling, job readiness skills, independent living skills, children's programs and daycare services are offered to women during their stay. Women can typically stay in transitional housing for up to two years.
Advocacy Groups
The ultimate goal of all homeless advocacy groups is to find permanent housing options for the homeless, particularly women and children. Advocacy groups are usually community-based, often originating in a local government agency, a social justice outreach, or a church group. Groups work with women to find them affordable housing in a safe neighborhood, but also to help them find finding sustainable employment and on-going counseling to solve not just her housing problem, but also the underlying reasons why she is homeless. Women typically continue to have case managers, community services and counselors available after their move into permanent housing.
Auxiliary Services
Staff members of emergency, transitional or permanent housing typically work with women to identify other services that may be needed. After a full intake and assessment. staff determine if a mental health, medical, substance abuse, legal, vocational or educational referral is needed. Women may work with their case managers to set up these services while also attending classes on money management, parenting, nutrition and independent living skills. These classes are often sponsored at the housing facility, but may also be at nearby learning facilities.
Community Services and Funding
Homeless women are often referred to Department of Human Services for food stamps, medical assistance and possible child support help. The ultimate goal is for women to be self-sufficient and not need food stamps or medical assistance, but in emergency situations the assistance is often needed. Some women may also be eligible for emergency government or private foundation funds if they have been victims of domestic violence.
Tags: permanent housing, women children, work with, domestic violence, help them