The Need
Numbers tell a story
In Kitsap County, homelessness continues to rise. According to a March 2019 Seattle Times article, homelessness in Kitsap County increased 17% since 2018, with nearly 500 people being counted in the Point in Time Count. While the one-time count reflects a single day, across the county, service providers have experienced increases. Last year, 2,600 households requested service.
Kitsap County notes that 12% of homeless people experienced domestic violence, and 25% had
family conflict causing homelessness. Considering that national studies found that nearly 40 percent of domestic violence victims become homeless at some point in their lives, and that 1 in 4 women experience domestic violence in their lifetime, the problem in Kitsap County is far greater than these numbers illustrate. Add to this the growing awareness of women who are survivors of sexual assault, sex trafficking, and abuse, it is clear that there is a high need for more housing options for women in Kitsap County.
It is imperative that we provide safe, affordable, and accessible housing for homeless women, especially those with children. Interrupting the cycle of homelessness ensures long-term physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
OHannah House Ministries is committed to creating solutions for the tragic issue of homelessness among women and children. Here's why:
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84% of families experiencing homelessness are female- headed.
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Over 92% of homeless mothers have experienced severe physical and/or sexual abuse during their lifetime.
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Among all homeless women, 60% have children under age 18, but only 65% of them live with at least one of their children.
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On any given night in the US, there are nearly 600,000 homeless people, and around 40% are women.
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53% of homeless women report having a disability.
Why Homeless Women
Together we can solve the problem of homelessness among women and childreni n Kitsap County.