Poverty \ˈpä-vәr-tē\: the state of one who lacks a usual or socially acceptable money material or possessions (Merriam-Webster)

Devastation. Fear. Hunger. Loss. Hopelessness.

These are the words of many women facing poverty today. Women in the United States make up more than 50 percent of those living in poverty. According to the Center for American Progress (www.americanprogress.org), the gender gap on poverty rates are wider in the United States than anywhere else in the Western world. Across our country more women are living in poverty than men. African American and Latino women are twice as likely to live in poverty than white women.

There are three main factors that contribute to women living in poverty: job market, family care and domestic abuse.

Job Market. A woman with an equal title, skills, education and working hours will earn nearly 30 percent less than her male counterpart. Women are sometimes led into lower paying occupations. Careers that have a lower salary ranges are mostly filled by women.

Family Care. When a child is born or a family member becomes incapacitated, women are more likely to become the primary care givers. A Census report in 2007 reported 23 percent of mothers are out of the workforce. If a child is in a one parent home, mothers are often burdened with the costs of raising a child which include food, shelter and medical. A pregnancy, if mistimed, may cause difficulty for a women to find employment and a difficult pregnancy may result in challenges with maintaining employment.

Domestic Violence. Domestic violence is defined as physical or psychological abuse towards a domestic partner, and it is the leading cause homelessness for women. When a woman is abused by her current spouse, she may not have a place to seek refuge so she may remain in the abusive environment.

How the YWCA Can Help Homeless

The YWCA of Greater Atlanta developed the Women in Transition (WIT) program in 1987 to assist women and children who are affected by poverty. Our Cascade House shelters approximately 25 residents and equipped them with the ability to lead a life of self-sufficiency.

Kecia Lott, Program Director, oversees the 18-month WIT program. Each woman will receive education on child care, financial literacy, job readiness and housing.

If you know of any women and children in need of the YWCA’s assistance, please call the 24-hour hotline (404) 752-6199. The WIT program also has a six month aftercare program for all women who successfully complete the program. The aftercare program is a source for referrals, clothing and school supplies.

The Cascade House proudly accepts donations of monetary value or gently used items.

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