The face of homelessness in America is changing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, national poverty rates are higher in working women than men. More women with children living are living at or below the poverty line—and they are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. A primary factor in women’s homelessness is domestic violence. Oftentimes women with children fleeing abusive relationships do not have the means to find suitable housing. A study done by the Ford Foundation reported 50% of homeless women and children were fleeing abuse.

Women with children who are leaving violent relationships need safe and confidential emergency and long-term housing. At Dignity Housing, a transitional housing site reserved for female-headed households, security is of paramount concern. The units are enclosed inside a gated community, which is patrolled at night, and visitors are restricted. Dignity staff report some women initially find the strict rules to be invasive, but later appreciate the protection these measures afford. The Jane Addams Place also enforces rules to maintain site confidentiality. Visitors are prohibited and residents receive mail through the organization’s main office.

After settling into a secure environment families begin to rebuild self-esteem and healthy interpersonal relationships. The goal is successful independent family functioning. Both Dignity Housing and Jane Addams Place provide residents with counseling and parenting classes to help establish personal boundaries, discipline, respect, and structure. Particularly when children have witnessed violence, it is important to reestablish healthy modes of family conduct. At the Jane Addams Place parent-child activities, including story time and homework help, promote positive sharing and learning within families. Sheila Brown Women’s Center established an art program to help families express their feelings.

Since many residents lack a positive male presence, organizations strive to integrate male role models into their programs. Michele from the Jane Addams Place said men have a “fundamental role in supportive work.” Male staff and volunteers work as teachers, counselors, residence assistants, and caretakers, and are particularly important in working with older youth.

In addition to physical and emotional needs, families need access to many different services. Many shelters offer child care services or after school programs to help working mothers. Job training, GED courses, and resume writing help are other services offered by shelters to help families become independent. Women Against Abuse, the nation’s first legal center for domestic violence victims, has a shelter exclusively for battered women and children. The legal center advocates on behalf of victims for legal protection from abuse, child custody, and child support payments. When shelters are unable to provide specific services they serve as important resources, connecting families with cooperating organizations or government associations.

These organizations provide a safe haven from violence and serve as an integral part of addressing homelessness and the cycle of violence.