A Message from Bonnie Stone
President and CEO, Women In Need

 

It’s hard to believe that it’s been more than 25 years since we opened the doors of our first homeless shelter in New York City. During this time, the statistics on homelessness may have fluctuated but the problem of homeless families still remains.  Today nearly 38,000 New Yorkers are in shelters—and these numbers reflect the highest levels of homelessness we’ve seen in decades, proving our work is important—now more than ever. 

 

In 2009 alone, WIN served more than 10,000 homeless and disadvantaged women and children in our area by providing basic needs we all take for granted. Shelter, childcare, supportive housing and counseling are just a few of the services WIN offers to families enabling them to become self-reliant and confident as they progress towards independence.  

 

Your support is invaluable and we hope you will join us in helping to change lives. 

 

 

Women In Need provides housing, help and hope to New York City women and their families who are homeless and disadvantaged. Through comprehensive programs such as shelter, supportive permanent housing, job training, domestic violence services, alcohol and substance abuse treatment and childcare, WIN offers the tools and guidance which allow our families to return to their communities and live independently.

 

Click here to learn how you can get involved and make a difference.

Yamaira and her children

Yamaira's Story

Yamaira, with her own apartment since 18, felt her life was on track. After high school she earned a medical assistant certificate, quickly finding work. She was soon married with children, balancing family and professional life.

 

Unfortunately Yamaira and her husband separated. Without childcare she couldn’t work or pay bills. She and her children had to enter a shelter.

 

Thinking back, she said, "I felt like I failed as a mother and person. I cried all the time and couldn't eat or sleep. My eldest daughter was so embarrassed she could hardly face the kids at school.”

 

Through WIN, Yamaira regained her confidence, noting "… when I think of WIN, I think of my housing counselor. She is my backbone, my shoulder, my reality check. She got me back on track." Her children attended WIN’s pre-school and utilized the recreation and after-school programs. With them in a safe and nurturing environment, Yamaira could work and look for an apartment. Looking forward, she says, “I know my sun will come out again!"

 

Homeless families come to WIN from devastating circumstances with little hope. With your help WIN provides them with a safe place to stay and programs to rebuild their lives and gain independence.