Among homeless women the place has a reputation: when you're ready to turn your life around, go to Calvary. Each year, 150 women do just that, and find, as the staff likes to say, "a safe, caring place for tonight; support, hope and change for tomorrow." Of the 10,000 homeless in DC, most are women and children, many of whom struggle with mental illness, domestic violence, substance abuse, and chronic diseases.
Calvary Women's Shelter is a transitional housing program that also offers nutritious meals, psychiatric care, substance abuse support groups, life skills classes, and a sisterhood of support. Some women may go on to live at Sister Circle, a permanent housing program for women with a history of addiction; some may work toward independent living at Pathways, the only transitional housing program in the District for homeless women with mental illness. Staff members stay in touch with women after they leave Calvary, ensuring a successful transition to independent living, and many former clients return to volunteer, preparing meals or leading the life skills or substance abuse programs. Tonight, as it has since 1983, Calvary will provide a safe place for DC's homeless women: your help ensures it can continue to do so tomorrow.
