“Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned.” -Peter Marshall
Reputable homeless shelters, especially for women and children, are few and far between although the need for them is immense, with over 20,000 homeless women living in LA County alone. Most women’s shelters have strict curfews, which prevents moms from working two jobs when one of them is an overnight shift. Many also have limited, to no childcare.
In response to this need, Brittany Walker of Los Angeles (in partnership with CASA LA) opened a housing community for the city’s homeless women and their children, called Butterfly’s Haven. It is a different kind of shelter—one without a curfew, so it’s easier for moms to work later shifts without having to worry about giving up a job. Walker also hopes to eventually hire workers that will provide 24/7 onsite childcare to the moms who need reliable sitters during unconventional hours.
Walker said, “I do not call it a shelter. I call it a housing community, where we are then embracing women and children as family and creating a community.”
Walker herself, along with her three children, were homeless at one point; so, she fully understands the struggles many of these women face daily.
Currently, Butterfly Haven can house up to 20 women at a time. Rent is $1,200 per month, which includes utilities, food, and other necessities. According to a news article published on spectrumnews1.com, “Six women and their children now live in the home. Walker is accepting applications to fill open rooms.”
To read more about Walker’s story in Ryann Blackshere Vargas’s article, click here.
We, at Sheltering Grace, are passionate about helping homeless mothers and babies end the devastating cycle of homelessness. Please contact us at 678-337-7858 to learn how you can help. Your one act of kindness can make all the difference to mothers and babies in need.
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Sheltering Grace Ministry, Ltd. is a 501(c)3 Ltd. non-profit ministry. We resolve the initial crisis of homelessness by providing mothers with a safe place to live during pregnancy. We also equip them with the tools they need to improve decision-making, enhance employment options, and increase family income to act responsibly as the head of their household. All of our services develop their self-reliance to progress to permanent independent living. Please join us in renewing and rebuilding the lives of these brave women – #Be1of5000.
