Support Nearly 3,000 Homeless Women in DC

Since November 2015, 139 donations have raised nearly $10,000 and purchased nearly as many meals for homeless and low-income women in Washington, DC. Thank you for your support.

People experience homelessness for all sorts of reasons; lack of affordable housing, medical emergencies, job loss, mental health concerns or the death of a loved one.

Ruth first came to N Street Village seeking emergency shelter after being turned away from another program. Like many women served by N Street Village, Ruth had spent her life taking care of other people; first her children and then her parents. When her parents past way, the home they had all been living in was sold and she was unable to make ends meet.

She recalls her first day at Bethany Women’s Center. “I only wanted to cry about not having a home. I had never experienced this before. I looked around still skeptical but was met with friendly faces and pleasant affirmations from staff and clients.” Ruth started coming to Bethany’s every day for meals and activities. She says, “After feeling like I had the wind knocked out of me, this program has offered me a breath of fresh air.”

Links:

• N Street Village Staff and Clients Can't Stop Feeling Hopeful

Paula B. first walked in Bethany Women’s Center out of the summer heat. Her back ached, both her legs hurt, and she had tears in her eyes. She still remembers the time – 3:31 – because another client told her the day center was about to close. At that moment a staff member approached her, offered her a glass a water, and invited her to sit down. She was told to take the evening shuttle to N Street Village’s emergency shelter and come again the next morning for a welcome session. “I’ve never been so terrified in my life,” Ms. Paula says, “but I got on that shuttle with the other women.” When she arrived at the shelter that night, there were five beds available and she was the fifth person in line.

Ms. Paula has become an active participant in Bethany Women’s Center and much appreciated member of our community. In Bethany’s support groups she met other women who listened to her story and told her she was not alone. In classes like yoga and tai chi she continues her journey to physical health, inspired by other women doing the same. She has learned how to ask for help, but at the same time advocate for herself.

Ms. Paula now volunteers as the day services receptionist handing out supplies to clients and taking phone messages. In everything she does, Ms. Paula greets people with a loving smile and a calm and respectful demeanor. She has moved to one of N Street Village’s transitional housing programs. She is looking for a job and her own apartment. Keeping herself positive and driven throughout this process is not easy: “being homeless is a heartbreaking situation that can lead you into despair. It takes everything in me to get up and start the day, make appointments, apply for housing, and deal with the high level of rejection that comes with it.” However, she continues, “if you can come into a place where you know there’s going to be breakfast, lunch, and a lot of laughter … that helps.”

Thank you to the 126 donors who have raised $6,154. You all have provided nearly 5,000 meals to Ms. Paula and the other women who come to Bethany Women’s Center for a meal and a laugh. 

Links:

• Visit our website for latest news
• Hear the stories of three incredible women
• N Street Village Can't Stop Feeling Good!