The Need

The Portland Women's Foundation invests in community programs that create change:

• Because 30% of Oregon households headed by single women live below the poverty level; almost twice the rate for households headed by single men.
• Because families comprise 40% of Oregon’s homeless population, the fastest growing segment.
• Because 9 of 10 homeless mothers have been victims of violence, often domestic.
• Because 46% of homeless women report having stayed in an abusive relationship because they had nowhere else to go.
• Because Oregon ranks 34th for the number of seniors living in poverty and 27th overall.
• Because a woman can increase her earning potential 27% by completing high school and 55% by earning a college degree.

The Women We Support

• A woman suffering domestic violence who wants to protect herself and her children
• An elderly woman who wants to stay in her own home
• A pregnant teen in need of shelter or treatment to gain self-sufficiency for herself and her child.
• A woman who wants to learn a trade to support her family
• A homeless woman with substance abuse issues who wants to shelter with her children
• A formerly homeless family as they set up a household
• A Latina learning English so she can help support her family
• And many others ...