DOWNTOWN WOMENS CENTER

DWC is the only organization in Skid Row providing gender-based, trauma-informed, and culturally competent services. DWC’s innovative and individualized approach addresses the immediate and long-term needs of women and gender diverse individuals overcoming homelessness. DWC serves nearly 5,000 women and gender diverse individuals annually through four core programs: Day Center & Basic Needs; Housing & Supportive Services; Health & Wellness; and Workforce Development.

· Day Center and Basic Needs: Open seven days a week, eight hours a day, DWC’s Day Center and Basic Needs program provides critical basic needs for approximately 3,200 women and gender diverse individuals experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty annually. Our Day Center offers a range of basic needs resources, including a safe place to seek respite from the unique traumas and stresses of experiencing homelessness; three nutritious meals per day, including hot breakfasts and lunches, and to-go snack packs; access to clean bathrooms and showers; a fresh change of clothes; and access to mail, telephone, computer, and internet services.

· Housing and Supportive Services: DWC offers Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) and community-based housing (CBH). We provide 151 units of PSH and the individualized support needed to maintain housing. Currently, DWC provides 119 units co-located with our drop-in Day Center in Skid Row and 32 new units in North Hollywood, co-located with supportive services facilitated by DWC. DWC’s CBH program supports 500+ women and gender diverse individuals annually through housing placements, case management, and linkages to wraparound services. Our CBH program is designed to meet the needs of individuals who identify as veterans, survivors of domestic violence, and those with long histories of homelessness coupled with severe health concerns.

· Health and Wellness: Co-located with our Day Center, DWC’s Women’s Health Center is the only health clinic in Skid Row that exclusively serves women and gender diverse individuals, ensuring that our community has low-barrier access to essential health services in an environment where they feel safe. Services offered include: primary healthcare; blood pressure monitoring; testing and screenings; support for chronic illnesses/disabilities; referrals to specialists; equitable access to COVID-19 vaccinations and testing; and mental health counseling.

· Workforce Development: We are the only organization in Los Angeles that provides gender-specific and trauma-informed workforce services for chronically unemployed women and gender diverse individuals who may be struggling with co-occurring challenges such as mental health issues or substance use. We offer transitional employment, individualized support, and job placements within our social enterprise, MADE by DWC, and in the community.