She's Somebody's Mother

That homeless woman you see, sitting on a bench, or pushing a cart, or sitting in a car packed with all her worldly possessions wasn’t always this way. 

She’s someone’s mother, but something happened. Maybe it was domestic violence (the leading cause of homelessness for women), a traumatic life event, or loss of a job or decrease in income that led her to become homeless. 

With little support or options she now lives along the creek, behind a building or in her vehicle (if she is lucky enough to have one.) She and many other women in her position are victims of harassment, violence, robbery, and sexual assault. The longer she is homeless the higher the likelihood she will develop a substance abuse problem or mental health condition. (two-thirds of chronically homeless individuals develop substance abuse and mental health conditions after they become homeless).  

It is not always obvious when you see her that she is homeless. She may work very hard to maintain her appearance, so that she is not judged or ignored by those in her community. You may see her every day and not even know that she doesn't have a home. She may very well be that lady who served you this morning at the local coffee shop.

The Gilroy Compassion Center knows her well and has served hundreds of women like her each year. There she can find a safe place to be during the day while receiving the basic needs we all take for granted such as: clean clothing, personal care items (including feminine hygiene), meals, bathrooms and showers. When dignity is restored to her she can work with a case manager who will link her to emergency shelters, permanent housing, mental health and substance abuse counseling. Every week she will be able to receive medical care and attend a women's support group, all offered onsite.

Thanks to the Compassion Center, homeless women can get their lives back -- develop a support network and strengthen their relationships with their families. We have seen the incredible things that happen when women go from homelessness to having a place to live: jobs, college, families, stability and the opportunity to give back to the community. 

Your Mother’s Day gift to Gilroy Compassion Center can help someone’s mother get her hope and dignity back. Thank you for caring enough to give!

Sincerely,