“A under-researched, poorly funded, yet heavily represented population in homelessness.”

1 in 4 adults experiencing homelessness is an unaccompanied woman. Step Up joined its colleagues last week at the University of Southern California for the Second 1 in 4 National Convening offering best/next practices on research, policy, practice, and resources for unaccompanied women experiencing homelessness. “The Colloquy focused on this under-researched, poorly funded, yet heavily represented population in homelessness.” said Step Up CEO Tod Lipka,  a panelist in the Scaling the Solution of Housing session. “It offered insights into what’s working across the country.”

The gathering brought together national leaders and researchers, policymakers, CEO’s, Executive Directors, senior staff, Board members, and innovative practitioners to learn from one another and to look to the future together.

“We’ve learned the tremendous importance of  listening to the voices of women with lived experience in homelessness. The needs and concerns of these women are distinctly different from those of men.”, added Step Up VP Carolyn Baker. “Safety, mutuality, and a sense of belonging are key issues.” Click here to read the first hand story of Dana Hill, a Step Up member and US veteran.

The 2nd national convening of 1 in 4 was sponsored by colleagues: Aileen Getty Foundation; Downtown Women’s Center; University of Southern California, School of Social Work; Institute for Urban Initiatives; and American Round Table to Abolish Homelessness. It’s aim was to forward a process to remedy the long-lived deficiencies in research, policy, and convening regarding women experiencing homelessness, all with the intent of scaling what we already know and discovering what may work in the future to an unprecedented degree.