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Ending Homelessness

Learn about the challenges faced by homeless women in LA and discover innovative approaches to housing, wellness, and advocacy. Gain valuable insights from the Downtown Women’s Center's Chief Program Officer, Erika Hartman, M.A., LMFT.

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Ending Homelessness

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  1. 2019 National Conference on EndingHomelessness & Capitol Hill Day Washington, D.C. | July 22–24

  2. Ladies First: Research Related to Women Experiencing Homelessness – Successful Approaches to Meeting Unique Needs Erika Hartman, M.A., LMFT Chief Program Officer Downtown Women’s Center

  3. “We envision a Los Angeles with every woman housed and on a path to personal stability. Our mission is to end homelessness for women in greater Los Angeles through housing, wellness, employment, and advocacy.” Founded in 1978

  4. Homelessness In Los Angeles • Approximately 60,000 people experiencing homelessness in LA • 18,000 of those are women • 64% of whom are unsheltered • In 2018 the number of women on Skid Row went up by 35% • In 2019 the rate of chronic homelessness went up by 17% • Since 2000 median rent is up 32% while median income is down 3% • 53% are economically homeless • 29% have mental health issues and 24% have substance use issues and often these are comorbid

  5. Downtown Women’s Center • First women’s permanent supportive housing in the country • First and largest gender specific women’s homeless services organization in LA • Only gender specific homeless workforce development program in LA for women • Only gender specific women’s medical clinic on Skid Row • Scattered site housing: Veterans, Domestic Violence, Permanent Supportive, and Rapid Rehousing • Access center • Mental Health and Trauma Recovery Services • Bridge Housing • Advocacy and coalition building

  6. Trauma • Trauma Informed Care • Trauma Recovery Center • Domestic Violence Housing

  7. Health • Age: • 10 - 20 years faster than housed counterparts • Experiencing geriatric conditions inconsistent with their chronological age • Live longer than men • 80% of women in our PSH are 50+ years • Aging in Place: • Incorporating medical professionals • Facilities modifications • Staff Training

  8. Shelter • In Skid Row 29% of women sleep in the street • In LA City there are only enough emergency shelter beds for 1 in 12 (or 8%) of all unsheltered women • In 2018 182 women died on the street in Los Angeles • Shelter innovations: In August 2019 Downtown Women’s Center will be opening a Bridge Housing Program

  9. Resources • Trauma and Resiliency Informed Care Toolkit: https://www.downtownwomenscenter.org/trauma-informed-care/ • Downtown Women’s Needs Assessment: https://www.downtownwomenscenter.org/2016-needs-assessment/ • Domestic Violence and Homeless Services Coalition: https://www.downtownwomenscenter.org/dvhsc/ • Check our website for the soon to be released L.A. City Wide Needs Assessment • Please feel free to contact me ErikaH@downtownwomenscenter.org

  10. Thank You!

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