Since 2003, Hand UP for Women has been privileged to graduate over 125 women from its program of Life Management, Career Readiness, and Spiritual Development classes, individual mentoring, and network-building in a family setting. It has been very frustrating to watch one essential aspect of their growth become an insurmountable obstacle: safe, pleasant, and supportive housing. It is very difficult to maintain a new life while living in a place that represents the old one, and the hopelessness that goes with it. Even after graduating from HUFW, time was still needed to build a career and increase their income. Market rent is impossibly high, taking the majority of their wages. Staying in a toxic living situation or remaining on public assistance seemed to be the only choices available.

They dream of implementing measures that would ensure women have a positive, safe place to live while also paying far less rent. This would enable them to pay off debt, go to school, and/or save to purchase their own homes.