Need help? Here’s a rundown of our support:
- Long-term housing and support for pregnant or parenting women who are experiencing homelessness or living in an unsafe situation (depending on your age [16-24 years old] you may be eligible for both housing and support or only counseling and case management).
- This program is not an emergency shelter – we have eligibility requirements and an application process.
- Located in Northern Virginia
- Call 703.280.2162 or email the Program Manager to learn more or request an application (please note this phone number and email are monitored Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
The issue:
A study by Chapin Hall from the University of Chicago reports that pregnant and parenting youth are 200% more at risk to become homeless. Many young mothers experiencing homelessness are fleeing a domestic violence situation and find themselves facing an impossible choice: leave their abuser and become homeless or stay in an abusive situation so they and their child can have a place to live.
According to multiple studies, more than 80% of mothers with children experiencing homelessness had been in domestic violence situations, Additionally, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, every year 1.2 million children under 6 years old experience homelessness in the United States. When parents with children experience homelessness, the child suffers as well.
Our response:
Second Story for Young Mothers provides housing, counseling and training to homeless women age 16 to 24 who are pregnant or have young children. We put an emphasis on parenting skills, completing an education, job readiness, and basic self-sufficiency so that young women will be able to support themselves and their children — breaking the cycle of poverty, abuse, or homelessness.
18-22 year old pregnant and parenting young women experiencing homelessness live independently in town-homes for up to 18 months and receive comprehensive counseling and other services to help meet their basic needs and life skills support to help them on their road to independence.
While not eligible to live in our housing. 16-24 year olds experiencing homelessness can receive free counseling and support from the program including help with budgeting, participation in life skills and parenting education, nutrition and employment groups, and other help meeting their basic needs. All of this support is completely free.
Who is eligible?
Pregnant and parenting young women experiencing homelessness or living in an unsafe situation may apply. 18-22 year-olds can receive residential support, and young women must be in need of housing and agree to meet program expectations. 16-22 year-olds can receive community-based support. We have an application and a waiting list. All services are provided in and around Fairfax County, Virginia.
Our impact:
In fiscal year 2023, we housed ten mothers and their twelve children and served an additional 236 non-residentially. 100% exited the program to a safe situation.