Homelessness Among Homeless Women

There is a big issue revolving around homeless, specifically women. There are many homeless people on the streets, each having different needs in order to survive. Homeless women pose a large problem to society because women face different dilemmas than men, both emotionally and physically. They have many different needs and backgrounds and must follow through a difficult path in trying to escape their situation.
There are a large number of factors that may contribute to a woman’s homelessness. First, many women are already victims of income inequality. Even though it does not seem like a huge problem, it affects many people especially under the poverty line. Colorado Coalition for the Homeless found that an average full time woman who worked …show more content…
The most obvious effect of homelessness is that it takes away shelter, or a warm dry place to stay. A house represents safety, comfort, and a place to go to after a stressful day for many people. When this is taken away, homeless women face many dangers on the streets and can break down mentally. For one, being homeless is dehumanizing and can affect self consciousness. Many people think that the homeless are on the streets for being lazy and not working hard, and this view harms many homeless people. They lose confidence and the belief that they can rise above homelessness. Homelessness is mentally destructive towards someone’s identity, both male and female. However, one difference is that women are more prone to sexual assault. The Los Angeles Times found that about half of skid row women in Los Angeles had been attacked in the last year, while more than a quarter of them were sexually assaulted. So why don’t these homeless women go to the many homeless shelters designed for them? The LA times also found that of these skid row women, at least a quarter have been attacked while at the shelters. The shelters seemed to be made for men; women must ask men for many services such as feminine hygiene products. That can be very uncomfortable for many women especially when they may be more private about their bodies. Even though shelters seem like possible havens, it is a place of discomfort for many. Another problem that comes monthly for homeless women is their menstrual period. As mentioned before, not many homeless women always feel safe asking a male for feminine hygiene products. Some may not have access to them at all while on the streets. Pads and tampons do cost money. Even with them, periods come with menstrual cramps, wavering emotions, and stained clothing. With limited money, it is difficult for women to keep their clothes and body clean. Finding a safe place for women to change can also be difficult; many