Women and Homelessness
Seattle Branch AAUW October 15, 2022
More than 30 people came to Café con Leche on September 17 for the branch’s program on Women and Homelessness. Speakers from the Real Change Homelessness Empowerment Project shared personal stories and explained how the project provides self-employment leading to a supportive community, increased self-confidence, and an opportunity for people experiencing homelessness to work themselves into shelter.
Vendors Sabina Lopez and Anitra Freeman spoke about regaining sobriety, participating in creating community among unsheltered people, the work of Women In Black (standing vigil each month for people who have died while homeless), and the difference timely outreach made in their lives.
Real Change advocate Jacob Schear discussed Initiative I-135, on the February 2023 Seattle ballot, which would require a public-housing developer to build permanently affordable housing by issuing bonds.
The meeting was physically satisfying as well as intellectually informative, with people enjoying delicious Cuban sandwiches as well as the opportunity to begin the program year by visiting in person. Many thanks to Barbara Sando for handling the Zoom technical issues.
