Homeless Women in California

The Fund for Homeless Women, supported by the Community Foundation for Monterey County, is dedicated to reducing harm and increasing safety for homeless women on the Monterey Peninsula. This grant program directly aligns with the foundation's mission to address critical community needs, specifically focusing on vulnerable populations. The overarching goal is to diminish the number of women at risk each night by improving their access to shelter and safety, thereby contributing to a more secure and stable environment for homeless women in the region. The primary beneficiaries of this program are homeless women residing on the Monterey Peninsula. The grant program aims to achieve significant impact by increasing access to emergency and temporary shelter, permanent housing options, and comprehensive case management services. Expected outcomes include a reduction in the number of homeless women exposed to danger, improved access to essential services such as healthcare and transportation, and increased opportunities for long-term stability through housing and support programs. The program also seeks to foster innovative strategies and inter-agency collaborations to maximize its reach and effectiveness. The Fund for Homeless Women prioritizes proposals that address specific grantmaking areas. These include small grants, up to $10,000 annually, for emergency assistance such as hotel/motel vouchers, transportation support (e.g., bus passes, car repair), and personal care (e.g., laundry, showers, health/dental care). Larger grants, ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 annually, are available for innovative ideas that expand emergency/temporary shelter, permanent housing options, and case management services. Examples of these initiatives include increasing access to client-focused shelter services, providing accessible services in Monterey or Seaside, collecting data on homeless women, and offering related support services like medical/dental care, mental health services, counseling, financial education, and job training. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on direct assistance, innovative program development, and data-driven approaches. The theory of change posits that by increasing access to shelter, safety, and comprehensive support services, homeless women will experience improved well-being, reduced vulnerability, and greater opportunities for self-sufficiency. The program also acknowledges current challenges by allocating up to 25% of grant requests to support service providers with program support and related impacts due to COVID-19, ensuring that organizations can continue to deliver vital services despite ongoing difficulties. Grants are awarded for an 11-month period, supporting planning, start-up costs for new or expanded programs, operating costs, personnel expenses, and direct assistance for emergency needs.