The homeless population has changed dramatically in the past 20 years. The new homeless include a rapidly-growing population of single parent, female-headed families who live on the streets or in temporary shelters. Families comprise at least 40% of the homeless in large metropolitan areas. The average homeless family is composed of a young, single mother and two children under age six (National, 2006). At least half of the homeless women are employed (or employable) but do not earn sufficient wages to support themselves and their children. Reasons for homelessness vary and include lack of social support systems. In fact, homeless women with children often list their children as their only support system.

 

According to the U.S. Conference of Mayors (2005), City of Phoenix and other agencies, the homeless in Maricopa County mirror nationwide statistics -- nearly half are women and children. Many are experiencing the trauma of domestic abuse and are vulnerable to use/abuse of alcohol and drugs, violent attacks, and sexual assault.   It is unthinkable, but each day emergency shelter resources must turn away as many as 60% of women seeking safety for themselves and their children. In addition to bed unavailability, hundreds of these families cannot access emergency or transitional housing due to the extent of their substance use and need for treatment.  Very few services in our state provide the addictions and trauma recovery services they desperately need while providing physical safety for the mothers and their children. With nowhere else to go, every night homeless children and moms seek safety and protection by sleeping in cars, under bridges, on the street or in a drainage ditch. Many others continue to endure abusive relationships just to have a roof over their head.  

The needs of these women and children are complex, so they need comprehensive services that simultaneously address their physical, mental and emotional healthcare, as well as their spiritual and other needs. All the pieces must be addressed. Women suffering from addictions and their children are desperately in need of a resource that can address the root causes of homelessness -- addictions and unhealthy, often dangerous relationships -- while also providing on-site emotional trauma and medical healing services for children.