100 likes | 109 Views
2019 National Conference on. Ending Homelessness. & Capitol Hill Day. Washington, D.C. | July 22–24. 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.
E N D
2019 National Conference on EndingHomelessness & Capitol Hill Day Washington, D.C. | July 22–24
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
“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
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
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
Trauma • Trauma Informed Care • Trauma Recovery Center • Domestic Violence Housing
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
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
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