Help Empower Women Who are Homeless in Chicago

Thanks to your gift, Sarah's Circle has helped 32 women secure permanent homes so far in 2019! By providing a full continuum of care, Sarah's Circle is able to help women no matter where they are in their journey. Whether a woman has been experiencing homelessness for 10 years or 10 days, whether she needs a birth certificate or career advice, Sarah's Circle can help.

The largerst barrier our women share is the continious loss of affordable housing in the city of Chicago. In the coming months, Sarah's Circle will be breaking ground on our 2nd building which will include 38 units of Permanent Supportive Housing for single women, as well as an improved space for our Interim Housing Program.

Thank you for your investment in the well-being of Chicago's most vulnerable women! Togethers, we will end homelessness for women in Chicago.

Sarah’s Circle’s vision is to ensure that every woman in Chicago has a home. We are incredibly proud of our progress last year. With nearly 2,000 single women experiencing homelessness right now, we know that there is so much more to be done. Here’s some highlights of our work in 2018:

• 15,260 nights of shelter provided
• 798 women helped with supportive services
• 91 women transitioned from homelessness to safe, permanent housing
• 50 Make it Home grants distributed
• 30 women found employment

Housing First

For long-term success, housing must come first. That’s why Sarah’s Circle focuses on strategic and individualized plans for each woman, informed by her personal goals. Once housing is achieved, we can ensure each woman has the supportive services she needs for long term success. Because finding appropriate housing can take some time, Sarah’s Circle provides basic needs for women during their search.

Did you know?

The women we serve are extremely vulnerable, having experienced a wide array of traumatic situations: domestic violence, mental health conditions, substance abuse, serious physical illness, incarceration, chronic poverty, and of course, homelessness. 37% of women served are chronically homeless, meaning they have a disability and have been without stable housing for a year or longer. Here’s a few more facts about the women that we served last year:

• 33% were age 55 or older
• 51% had no income; 100% are low-income
• 35% were experiencing homelessness for the first time
• 42% experienced a mental health condition
• 17% are living with a chronic health condition

Despite these challenges, the women we serve show great resilience and determination, fueling Sarah’s Circle’s motivation to end homelessness for women in Chicago.

Links:

• Sarah's Circle Website