The specific challenges of homeless women

(image by ARIEL TU)

The number of women experiencing homelessness in the Los Angeles area has risen by nearly 20 percent since 2016. And that’s only counting women who don’t have partners or dependents. More than 90% of these women have experienced some form of victimization in their lifetime.

The Weingart Center is uniquely positioned to help women experiencing housing insecurity with our comprehensive services. We offer everything from mental and health services to reentry programs, substance abuse services, specialized housing programs, and more. We’re committed to helping as many people as possible turn their lives around.

Homelessness is a difficult reality that affects both men and women. However, it’s crucial to recognize the distinct challenges women must face when living on the streets in order to break the cycle of homelessness. Women are at a higher risk for violence, exploitation, and other forms of trauma. Oftentimes, they’re put in uniquely disadvantageous positions specifically because of their gender. Here are some of the most common situations for these women.

Abuse
Homeless women are disproportionately impacted by violence and abuse. The absence of secure housing leaves them more vulnerable to physical, emotional, and sexual violence. This may come from complete strangers but also from their intimate partners. Their living situations require them to make compromises that limit their control over their personal safety.

Exploitation and trafficking
Desperation and lack of resources can leave homeless women more susceptible to manipulation and coercion. Lacking social support and protective networks, many of these women can be pushed into sexual exploitation and become easy targets for human trafficking.

Unique health needs
Women experiencing homelessness have specific needs they’re forced to balance with other priorities like food and shelter. Menstrual health and hygiene become a significant challenge when there is limited access to feminine hygiene products. Similarly, pregnant homeless women struggle to access proper prenatal care and safe environments for themselves and their unborn children. It is essential to provide adequate healthcare facilities and support systems that address these distinct health needs.

Family homelessness
Frequently, women will have more than themselves to worry about and provide for. Family homelessness poses additional challenges as women strive to provide a safe and stable environment for their families while facing limited resources and support. Finding appropriate childcare options and maintaining the well-being of their children becomes more difficult in the context of homelessness. Adequate, affordable housing options, childcare facilities, and employment opportunities are essential to help homeless women provide for their families.

Trauma and mental illness
Homeless women often have higher rates of trauma, including experiences of domestic violence, sexual assault, or childhood abuse. The experience of homelessness, combined with potential histories of abuse and violence, can lead to the development or exacerbation of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Feminine hygiene
Homeless women often face difficulties in accessing basic necessities, including feminine hygiene products. Pads and tampons are expensive, and women might not be able to get them reliably from organizations and shelters every month. Having a lack of privacy to change out products, pain medication, and cleaning sources can seriously impact dignity and well-being. Long-term neglect can also lead to life-threatening diseases.

These are all broad strokes when it comes to the issues that women experience without housing, and every person has their own struggle unique to them. People need care and attention to turn their lives around, and that’s what they’ll find at any of the Weingart Center facilities. We provide a bevy of experts and services that support those in need at every stage of their journey. We believe that no one deserves to be homeless. Help us continue to make our dream a reality. Donate now.

Learn more about how homelessness affects men.