Understanding the Plight of Homeless and Incarcerated Women

I often write about the intrinsic link between poverty and incarceration. This issue is even more complicated for women: according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “incarcerated women are significantly more likely than incarcerated men to have severe substance abuse histories, co-occurring mental disorders, and high rates of past treatment for both; they also tend to have more physical health problems. Approximately 50 percent of female offenders are likely to have histories of physical or sexual abuse, and women are more likely than men to be victims of domestic violence. Past or current victimization can contribute to drug or alcohol abuse, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and criminal activity.” In response to these alarming facts, ASHF has developed a gender responsive approach to housing and treatment for homeless and incarcerated women.

Our goal at ASHF is to reduce long-term recidivism rates and increase positive outcomes for children of incarcerated women. We know that women make up almost 10% of the prison population and that women are one of the fastest growing prison populations around the world. We know that most of the women in prison today are incarcerated due to non-violent drug and alcohol related offenses; they are less likely to be a threat to society. We also know that they are often the custodial parent of their children. Overall, these women are desperately in need of treatment to address the root causes not only of incarceration, but also poverty and homelessness. It is essential that we educate ourselves on the symptoms of poverty. In doing so, we can make responsible decisions to understand and support a better system that creates a tangible impact on the lives of so many of our neighbors. We must step up to help incarcerated women and mothers in their time of need so that they can break the cycle of poverty and social dysfunction. In the end, our efforts will positively affect not only their lives, but also the lives of their children.