This important convening of the leaders of our nation’s women’s shelters will be pivotal as we collaborate to elevate the voices of women and children experiencing homelessness. Together, we will raise awareness of the gender-specific needs of women experiencing homelessness; highlight the significance of ending gender-based discrimination, abuse, and violence (which are among the primary causes of homelessness for women); showcase trauma-informed practices for women and their children; and ultimately advance the status of women as we establish a new collective voice to end and prevent homelessness.
For this inaugural conference, we have assembled an agenda exploring the most pressing and essential matters for women experiencing homelessness. On the evening of September 5th, we will be holding a welcome reception offering guests the opportunity to socialize and enjoy a light dinner. On September 6th, the speakers and panels will focus on creating gender-specific, trauma-informed environments that advance equity, social justice, and successful transitions. On September 7th, we will highlight strategies and innovations for effective fundraising, resource development, capacity building, and community engagement. We will wrap up the morning of September 8th with strategic planning and a final breakfast!
Women’s homeless shelters are the last resort and final safety net for the most vulnerable in our country, traumatized women and children of little to no means, many with unmet medical and mental health needs and multiple layers of victimization from childhood to adulthood, struggling to survive, heal, learn, grow and thrive, keep their families intact and alive, and all too often fleeing domestic or intimate partner violence. In the National Women’s Shelter Network, we come together to make our voices heard and advance the status of women and children experiencing homelessness, nearly all of whom have domestic violence and other serious trauma histories and are among the most vulnerable in our country.