The Refuge Center for Women International

We began 1 year ago and assisted 10 women with temporary shelter, food, clothing, reunification to family and connections to community resources. Our aim is to directly address the trauma that brought these women to the streets. Many programs for the homeless center on addiction recovery and addressing mental health issues, but research shows that the number one contributing factor leading to chronic homelessness, particularly in women, is trauma. Until the trauma is addressed appropriately within a safe, loving setting, the likelihood of a women ending up back on the streets is extremely high. Our hope is that The Refuge can provide the sense of community and support needed to work through trauma. At the same time, we will provide a network of support, through individual mentors, local businesses who will train women in various skills, churches and organizations that will provide spiritual and life skills training, etc. Our hope is to reach those who are shelter resistant and provide an environment that will invite them in to become whole again.

Our Needs

Our biggest need is a permanent location/building, so that we can provide around the clock shelter while women are addressing their trauma. We will also need furniture and appliances for a house of 25 women, clothing, toiletries/feminine products, food, bedding, towels, transportation/van, 24 hr security and security system, office supplies and a computer, and enough funding to cover a small staff. We will also need volunteers to help in a variety of ways.