Support Nearly 2,000 Homeless Women in DC

Since November 2015, GlobalGiving donors have raised $14,489 for this project and $69,289 overall for homeless and low-income women in Washington, DC.  It is only though the generous contributions of donors like you that Bonita was able to find the support she needed after struggling for many years. Bonita came to the village three years ago, feeling lost and afraid.   

Bonita had to grow up quickly. Her mother had her at 16, and she was raised mostly by her grandparents. Her father was in and out of prison during much of her childhood and was murdered when Bonita was just 12 years old.

By 18, Bonita was married. However, her husband was an addict and drugs quickly became their way of life. Early in their marriage, her husband was sentenced to prison and spent much of their 20-year relationship behind bars. Bonita became pregnant at 21 and moved in with her husband’s family. During this time, Bonita turned to drugs.

While in her 30’s, Bonita found the strength to get clean and take responsibility for her own life. She stayed sober for 20 years, focusing her attention on raising her daughter.

While Bonita faced challenges throughout her life, the one that hurt the most occurred three years ago. Upon invitation, Bonita moved to South Carolina to live with her daughter. Very quickly, things began to unravel. Her daughter took financial advantage of her and was verbally abusive. Feeling unwanted, Bonita packed her bags and returned to DC after just three months.

Devastated that her daughter had abused their relationship, Bonita began to feel the weight of depression. Back in D.C., she stayed with friends, feeling lost and afraid for what her future might hold. This led to a short relapse, but Bonita knew that was not the solution. She began looking for help and was introduced to N Street Village.

After three years with the Village, Bonita has gained control of her mental and physical health, acquired the financial help she needed, and found employment through the Village’s MARJ & MAK Vocational Center. She was able to move into permanent supportive housing in 2020, graduated from the Together We Bake training program, and is now employed at Friendship Place, helping individuals experiencing

Proud of her accomplishments over the past three years, Bonita is ready for her next chapter. Her goal is to own her own home again and continue to work, helping others in situations similar to hers of just a few years ago.

“It’s not about what you’ve done in the past, but what you are doing with your time now.  Anything worth having is worth working for.”