“When you’re new to homelessness, you don’t know where to go. You don’t know who to call. You just feel stuck.”
Maureen is a high school graduate who worked in fast food restaurants, factories, and, for a decade, as a basket weaver in Zanesville, Ohio. She says she has always taken pride in supporting herself and working hard.
But after losing her job, Maureen found herself living on the streets, an experience she describes as traumatizing, demeaning, and deeply destabilizing. Already managing depression, anxiety, and mood disorders, the stress of homelessness intensified her mental health challenges and left her feeling exposed and unseen.
“When you’re new to homelessness, you don’t know where to go. You don’t know who to call. You just feel stuck,” she said.
A turning point came when a Street Sense vendor handed Maureen a newspaper featuring an article about Bethany Women’s Center. The Day Center at N Street Village is open 365 days a year, and Maureen says she found access to meals, showers, laundry, and, most importantly, compassionate support. Through Bethany Women’s Center, she received case management, behavioral health services, and help navigating housing programs.
Today, Maureen lives in permanent supportive housing at Miriam’s House, where stability has allowed her to continue healing and rebuilding her life.
Maureen says she wants donors to know that their dollars translate into real dignity and self-worth for hundreds of women.