According to the biennial Point-in-Time count, there are 2,047 homeless individuals residing in Monterey County. According to the Homeless Management Information System each organization is required to use, that number is closer to 6,000. Approximately 25% of this population identify as women.
According to the CDC, “health problems among homeless persons result from various factors, such as barriers to care, lack of access to adequate food and protection, and limited resources and social services.” Homelessness creates new health problems and exacerbates existing ones. THE USICH estimates that 16,000 homeless individuals died in 2021 primarily from preventable causes.
Homelessness is traumatic. The women we serve often have a history of trauma in addition to the trauma of experiencing homelessness, which makes them vulnerable to further violence and victimization. Our Wellness activities make this a welcoming place where guests can come on a regular basis to heal physically and mentally. We currently offer meditation, mindful journaling, laughter yoga, support and self-esteem groups, and – through a partner organization – equine therapy. We are constantly looking for ways to ensure regular, easy access to mental and physical health care for our guests.
Gathering for Women serves an average of 400 women and children per year. We are dedicated to providing our guests the dignity and respect they deserve as valuable members of our community, and we are grateful to our community partners who support and engage in this work with us