The Forgotten Struggle: A History of Women’s Homelessness
For much of history, the issue of homelessness has been overwhelmingly depicted as a problem affecting men. But women—often unseen, unheard, and uncounted—have faced the same struggle, navigating a system that was not built to recognize their needs.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s time to shine a light on the hidden history of women’s homelessness—a crisis that has existed for centuries but has only recently gained widespread acknowledgment. Understanding this past is critical to creating a future where no woman is left without a safe place to call home.
The Early Years: Homelessness as a "Moral Crisis"
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, homelessness in America was largely associated with men who traveled the country in search of work, often called “tramps” or “hobos.” At the time, the public saw homelessness not as an issue of housing, but as a moral failing—a rejection of domestic and family life. Women experiencing homelessness were even more invisible, as they were expected to conform to traditional roles as homemakers and caregivers.
Those who had nowhere to go often avoided being counted altogether, taking refuge in brothels, poorhouses, or temporary boarding houses. Others were criminalized under vagrancy laws, which made it illegal to be unemployed or unhoused. Women who left abusive homes had few options and often faced judgment rather than support.
The industrial revolution and urbanization exacerbated the crisis. Cities grew, yet housing remained unaffordable for many. By the 1930s, the Great Depression created unprecedented levels of homelessness, with entire families—including single mothers—forced into shantytowns known as Hoovervilles. The federal government responded by investing in public housing, but single women and mothers often found themselves at the back of the line for assistance.
The Rise of Women’s Shelters: A Movement for Change
For generations, women trapped in abusive relationships had nowhere to go. Leaving was often impossible due to financial dependence, societal shame, and a lack of safe alternatives. In the 1950s and 60s, it was still widely believed that a woman’s place was in the home, even if that home was dangerous. With no shelters or support systems in place, many women were forced to endure violence in silence, unable to escape the cycle of abuse.
Everything changed in 1971 when the first modern domestic violence refuge opened in London. This milestone sparked a movement, leading to the creation of women’s shelters worldwide, offering not just physical safety, but also the hope of a new beginning.
How You Can Help: Join Our “Purses With a Purpose” Fundraiser
This Mother’s Day, Showering Love is hosting Purses With a Purpose, an initiative that provides women in need with a purse filled with essential hygiene items, small gifts, and a heartfelt message of encouragement.
For women experiencing homelessness, something as simple as a purse stocked with necessities can be a symbol of hope and empowerment—a reminder that they are seen, valued, and worthy of care.
💖 Join us in making history—one life, one shower, and one purse full of purpose at a time.
👉 [Donate today to help us fill a purse with love!](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ShoweringLove)
