Support Nearly 3,000 Homeless Women in DC

GlobalGiving’s generous donors have raised over $79,418 to support women experiencing homelessness in Washington, DC—support that is more critical now than ever. As public funding is reduced and demand for services continues to rise, your generosity helps ensure that women can still access safe shelter, nutritious meals, health and behavioral health services, and pathways to long-term stability. Homelessness can be triggered by a medical crisis, job loss, mental health challenges, the death of a loved one, or the simple lack of affordable housing in a high-cost city. At a time when women face growing risks and fewer safety nets, your support is helping N Street Village maintain continuity of care and respond with dignity, urgency, and compassion to women in crisis

This quarter, we’re honored to share the story of Maureen. Maureen is a high school graduate who worked in fast food restaurants, factories, and, for a decade, as a basket weaver in Zanesville, Ohio. She always taken pride in supporting herself and working hard but after losing her job, Maureen found herself living on the streets. Already managing depression, anxiety and mood disorders, the stress of homelessness intensified her mental health challenges and left her feeling exposed and unseen.

“When you’re new to homelessness, you don’t know where to go. You don’t know who to call. You just feel stuck,” she said.

A turning point came when a Street Sense vendor handed Maureen a newspaper featuring an article about Bethany Women’s Day Center. The Day Center at N Street Village is open 365 days a year and Maureen says she found access to meals, showers, laundry and most importantly, compassionate support. Through Bethany Women’s Day Center, she received case management, behavioral health services, and help navigating housing programs.

Today, Maureen lives in permanent supportive housing at N Street Village’s Miriam’s House, where stability has allowed her to continue healing and rebuilding her life.

Maureen wants potential supports to know that their dollars translated into real dignity and self-worth for hundreds of women.

Links:

• Hear Maureen's story in her own words

GlobalGiving’s generous donors have raised over $79,318 to support women experiencing homelessness in Washington, DC—support that is more critical now than ever. As public funding is reduced and demand for services continues to rise, your generosity helps ensure that women can still access safe shelter, nutritious meals, health and behavioral health services, and pathways to long-term stability. Homelessness can be triggered by a medical crisis, job loss, mental health challenges, the death of a loved one, or the simple lack of affordable housing in a high-cost city. At a time when women face growing risks and fewer safety nets, your support is helping N Street Village maintain continuity of care and respond with dignity, urgency, and compassion to women in crisis

This quarter, we’re honored to share the story of Wessena. When D.C.-native Wessena was four years old, she was in a near-fatal five-alarm house fire that left her with second- and third-degree burns over much of her body. She was taken from her biological family and placed in foster care. “With the grace of God,” she says, “I survived the fire and was given two loving foster parents where I resided until I aged out at 21.”

Shortly after that, she lost her job and became homeless. To survive, she moved from couch to couch with friends and family until she was awakened at 4:00 AM by an argument where the man of the house was brandishing a shot gun.

With a referral, Wessena sought refuge at N Street Village. Her priority was to find shelter in a safe environment and get help accessing the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.

“For as long as I can remember I’ve been suffering with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and post-traumatic stress disorder,” she says. “N Street Village gave me the courage to get back on my feet and to believe that I can survive living in a home by myself.”

Today, Wessena is a permanent supportive housing resident at one of the Village’s programs and works part-time. My hope for the future is to get back into steady employment that will secure my finances and independence.”

Links:

• Organizational Overview Video