It could happen to anyone regardless of education, social, or economic status.
	-- A Woman at On The Rise

• Are homeless by a broad definition of lacking a permanent, safe, secure place to live
• Are in crisis
• Have experienced traumatic physical and/or emotional abuse by people and/or systems
• Are falling through the cracks of our human service system because of the multiple and complex issues they face, and
• Are poor.

Homelessness is about so much more than not having a home.  Women at On The Rise face a complicated web of challenge including traumatic experiences like childhood abuse and domestic violence; health conditions like chronic diseases, physical disabilities, and mental illness; systemic issues  like poverty, inequality, and the lack of affordable housing, education and job training; and the destructive coping methods that lead to alcoholism, drug addiction, and legal issues. 

In a typical year, On The Rise serves 350+ women with the following demographics:

Major Challenges*

• 71% Trauma (Domestic violence, sexual assault, childhood abuse, and witnessing violence)
• 68% Mental Health
• 53% Substance Use
• 29% Physical Health

* Most women disclose more than one major challenge, and this does not include housing/shelter.

Age

• 84% Adults, 25-59 years old
• 9% Young Adult, 18-24 years old
• 7% Seniors, 60+ years

Race

• 53% White
• 31% Black
• 9% Latina
• 7% Other

On an average day . . .
Women at On The Rise spent the previous night . . .

• 52% in shelters
• 22% outside
• 16% in a single room or apartment
• 6% with family or friends, and
• 4% in other places like the hospital or at work