Jessica is 29, homeless, and a student at Arizona State University (ASU). Currently, she is staying at an all woman’s shelter in Phoenix, AZ. She recently received word that since she is young and capable of having a job, she can no longer stay at the shelter. This shelter is categorized as an “Overflow Shelter”. […]
In most cases the public will not recognize these women as being homeless. They are not pushing a grocery cart filled with their possessions. You probably will not see them on a street corner asking for donations. Some of them have jobs, but not affordable housing. The 145 “Invisible Women” spend their nights at a […]
I never imagined what it would be like to live in a shelter. Living in a shelter is a challenge, but at least it is a roof over the head and food is provided. Being an older adult, 57, and having to follow their rules is a challenge. An example is that we have to […]
Women who stay in “The Shelter” have shared information about what they need to change in their lives and what they appreciate. Churches, women’s, and community groups are needed to help change the lives of the women who live in shelters or on the streets. One or two individuals cannot do this alone! […]
Arriving at the UMOM overflow shelter, located in Phoenix, AZ, I didn’t know what to expect. This is my first time going to a shelter. Questions like the following keep running through my mind before I even arrived. Why do individuals end up here? How long can they stay? What do they get to eat, […]
A young veteran writes: They used to tell me I was building a dream, so I followed the call. When there was peace we needed secure or guns to bear, I was there to answer the call. They would tell me I was building a dream, with peace and glory ahead, and that I would […]
I am blessed to be alive today, as thousands die every day. Having access to clean water, food to eat in the morning, and a roof over your head I am grateful as many in our nation and around the world lack one or more of these. Did you notice that I did not state […]
What does this statement mean to you? Do you take it as political, racial, religious, ethnic, or about bullying? Recently, I posted a photo on Facebook with this in the caption along with another statement. I didn’t make any comments, I only shared the photo. The response I received was that of two “Facebook Friends” […]
I used to care more about others: their lack of a smile, the lack of family support, and the lack of knowing how to be independent and getting an education. As I am in my late 60’s, I realize that over the last ten years I have become more selfish. Maybe be it’s because I […]
After visiting “The Shelter” to volunteer I met some amazing women. These women have been through a lot in their lives, facing difficult circumstances. While I see men on street corners asking for help, I rarely see women. The women staying at “The Shelter” come from different backgrounds, all of them are single and mainly […]
“When you focus on being a blessing, God makes sure that you are always blessed in abundance.” -Joel Osteen I often think back to when I was in grade school and a classmate was picked on because instead of wearing ribbons in her hair she had pieces of cloth. I felt bad for her, but […]