Single Mothers and Houselessness

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Single Mothers and Houselessness


 

In 2018, the Ruff Institute of Global Homelessness documented that 60% of homeless families are headed by single mothers. Parenting is very difficult, especially being a single parent. The most common houseless family is a single mother and two children. Rose Haven is a women-focused shelter in Portland, Oregon. They offer shelter and support for women who are in need of help. In a news article by KGW8, Katie O’Brian, the executive director of Rose Haven said, "there are so many more homeless women that we don't know about because women hide.” She says, “they hide because of the abuse they experience outside." Women who experience houselessness have difficulty trusting people. O’Brian says there should be more shelters for women, as well as more mental health resources for them. Another shelter similar to Rose Haven is Portland Homeless Family Solutions. They offer housing, shelter, and houseless prevention to families in need. 


The Bassuk Center in Massachusetts says mothers who experience houselessness have higher rates of extreme depressive disorders compared to the general female population. While 12% of women from all socioeconomic groups are depressed, the rate is 45% to 85% for mothers who are houseless. Depression only adds to the stresses a houseless mother faces.


Both Rose Haven and Portland Homeless Family Solutions have volunteer and donation opportunities, and links to their websites are provided below.

Written by Gina Rafael

Sources: 

https://rosehaven.org/

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