Every Mom & Baby Deserve a Place to Call Home This Holiday Season

As holiday lights twinkle and families gather in warm homes, a heartbreaking reality emerges: up to 47,520 pregnant mothers and their babies are facing homelessness this holiday season. While many families are celebrating the joy of the holiday season, these courageous mothers are struggling to provide basic shelter and safety for their children.

Frequency

One time

Monthly

2016

Virginia Women and Family Support Center was founded by Frances Robin.

We have expanded to three properties in Haymarket, Gainesville, and Manassas.

292

Women were served in 2024 at Virginia Women and Family Support Center.

606

Children served in 2024 at Virginia Women and Family Support Center.

HOUSING WOMEN AND FAMILIES

WHY WE EXIST

Empowering Families, Building Brighter Futures

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On a single night in 2020, HUD recorded 171,575 homeless families with children in the United States, with single mothers representing ¾ of these families.

We're here to change that.

"When I found out I was pregnant and homeless, I didn't know where to turn. But the VAWFSC team welcomed me with open arms and made me feel valued and cared for. The housing, life skills classes, and one-on-one case management were life-changing. I'm now employed, financially stable, and excited to be moving into my own apartment with my baby. This program truly saved my family."

At Virginia Women and Family Support Center, our services go beyond housing.

HOUSING

Ensuring long-term, stable housing is a fundamental aspect of our work at the Virginia Women and Family Support Center. Access to adequate housing stands as a cornerstone of societal well-being, with statistics underscoring its profound impact. We believe that offering a stable place to call home not only breaks the cycle of homelessness, but also fulfills a basic human need, reducing the likelihood of poverty, contributing to a decrease in hospital visits, and fostering an increase in educational progress among children. This commitment to housing creates a foundation for lasting positive change in the lives of the mothers and families we support.

FUND HOUSING

MATERNAL HEALTH

The health and wellbeing of both mother and child are top priorities at the Virginia Women and Family Support Center. Our team ensures mothers receive prenatal and postpartum care, making sure mothers have the support they need for a healthy pregnancy and a thriving baby. We coordinate a full spectrum of maternal healthcare services, from routine check-ups and nutritional guidance to specialty treatments and mental health support. For the children in our program, we arrange high-quality pediatric care and enrichment activities tailored to their developmental needs. By addressing the unique health requirements of each family member, we lay the foundation for children to grow up strong, happy, and ready to reach their full potential.

FUND MATERNAL HEALTH

MENTAL HEALTH

The impact of homelessness on mental health cannot be overstated. Studies show that individuals experiencing homelessness are three times more likely to struggle with severe mental health challenges, creating a devastating cycle that can be difficult to break. For pregnant women and mothers, these challenges are often compounded by the stress of providing for their children while lacking stable housing. Our comprehensive mental health services provide the support needed for women to thrive emotionally while navigating the challenges of pregnancy, motherhood, and building a new life. Through individual counseling sessions and therapeutic support groups, our licensed mental health professionals help women address anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns in a safe, nurturing environment. We offer both crisis intervention and ongoing care, ensuring that our clients have access to the emotional support they need at every stage of their journey. Our mental health services are designed to help women develop healthy coping mechanisms, build self-esteem, and cultivate the emotional resilience needed for long-term success.

FUND MENTAL HEALTH

TRAUMA RECOVERY

The experience of homelessness is, in itself, deeply traumatic. Research indicates that up to 93% of homeless mothers have experienced severe physical or sexual abuse during their lifetime, with homelessness often serving as both a consequence of trauma and a source of additional traumatic experiences. At VAWFSC, we recognize this profound impact and provide evidence-based, trauma-informed care through individual and group therapy sessions. In a safe, supportive environment, women can work through their experiences at their own pace, regain their sense of power and control, and move forward with renewed strength and hope. By addressing trauma within the context of stable housing and comprehensive support, we help our clients build the foundation for lasting healing and transformation.

FUND TRAUMA RECOVERY

EDUCATION

The link between homelessness and limited educational attainment is clear and devastating. Nearly 60% of homeless mothers do not have a high school diploma, significantly limiting their employment opportunities and ability to provide financially for their families. We believe that education and career development are powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness. Through individualized learning plans, we support women in achieving their educational goals, whether that's completing their GED, pursuing vocational training, or preparing for higher education. Our program includes resume writing workshops, interview preparation, professional skills training, and job placement assistance, creating pathways to living-wage jobs in growing industries.

The impact extends far beyond immediate employment. Research shows that when mothers advance their education, their children are more likely to succeed academically and break free from intergenerational poverty. Through the combination of stable housing, supportive services, and educational opportunities, we empower women to build the skills and confidence needed for long-term financial independence.

FUND EDUCATION

JOIN CYCLE

BREAKERS

GET INVOLVED

SUPPORT THE EXPANSION

GET INVOLVED

Ways to support women and families experiencing homelessness.

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Our Unique, Housing-First Approach

At the Virginia Women and Family Support Center, we firmly believe in the power of a housing-first approach to support homeless pregnant women and mothers. We recognize that secure housing forms the foundation upon which all other aspects of stability and personal growth are built. For the mothers we serve, safe and stable housing is crucial. It provides a secure environment for both mother and child, creates a stable setting for prenatal care and child development, and establishes a fixed address necessary for accessing services, employment, and education. We've seen how this stability significantly reduces stress, allowing mothers to focus on personal growth and family needs while restoring a sense of dignity and normalcy.