Women and Homelessness

I have seen the participants leaving the group visibly more relaxed, feeling lifted, renewed and supported by their peers. I believe what Anne teaches, the act of turning inward, quieting and opening in a space of support and acceptance is invaluable to everyone, but to women with so few external resources and supports, it is essential.” 

~ Laura Porter, MFT, County of Sonoma Department of Health Services

As the founder of DreamWeather, I want to share how our work began with women in homelessness, and how it has grown.

In 2010, I felt drawn to working on a practical level with marginalized women. I initiated a program in a day-time shelter for newly homeless women experiencing the shock of the recession and who were facing homelessness and transition.

The first day I spoke to a room full of 45 women from the shelter. I realized in that moment, that there was a need to empower women in the deepest way, through reflecting to them their own sacred nature. This was a powerful realization, that this simple work of sitting in circles, listening, meditating, and sharing dreams, could be the catalyst for women to step into their lives with a new strength.

I did hear dreams, for initially I invited the women to share them. But mostly, what I heard was that the women living in shelters, or in their cars, didn’t sleep deeply because of the noise all around them. Remembering dreams was rare. While women did share a dream from time to time, it became clear that there was a different need. A deeper need that touched the heart.

As colleagues and friends joined me in facilitating the circles, the format of the circles began to shift. Certain feminine qualities such as—listening, holding, sharing—became the core of our work. We saw that in this feminine space of stillness, of listening, a powerful linking up takes place deep within the women. Fragmentation is left behind, while a deeper, more powerful sense of connection strengthens.

We learned how this works. How there is a deep need for connection at this time of so much fragmentation. We saw how the women lit up when they were able to touch a source of wonder, wisdom, peace, or joy, even for a brief time. It was as if the guiding light of the soul – which can so easily be covered over – was able to shine on the path in front of them.

And now, we continue with our Finding Strength in the Quiet program, and with mentoring others to inspire and empower this work to serve women in other communities.

These circles:

• Encourage women to access a deep strength within themselves that is beyond trauma
• Call forth women’s innate wisdom and courage through sharing of and listening to stories of their lives – their losses as well as their treasures
• Foster a sense of connectedness to other women, diminishing feelings of isolation
• Reduce anxiety and fear
• Restore focus, giving clarity and a sense of calm that can empower goals and bring heart into everyday actions.