As homeless women prepare for the cold months ahead, they are concerned about their safety both in and outside of the shelters. They are concerned about the possibility of abuse from estranged husbands and boyfriends. They are concerned about finding employment and food each day.
Housing is perhaps the most immediate issue homeless women face.
Lack of resources about available housing as well as a lack of available beds make finding shelter for the evening very frustrating. Shelter residents and advocates agree that there needs to be various kinds of housing for women, including staff intensive programs and those that are self-managed. There is also the argument that community is a necessary element in creating living situations that work for homeless women. An apartment is a house, not a home. Support is necessary.