Beauty in Service

The Downtown Women’s Center is something that I will never forget. I was shocked initially because the center is absolutely beautiful. I had pictured something decrepit and intimidating, but the center lets in a lot of natural light and the building is brand new (well, the façade looks old, but it looks to be newly renovated). We got a tour of the center and the accommodations, it was really cool to find out that there were so many services available to homeless women on Skid Row. They have day beds, showers, a TV, and there are three meals a day. After the tour, I sat down at the front desk and began to get acclimated to the center. There were probably about 35 women in the center the first day. A woman started talking to us; she was carrying a manila folder filled with papers, dressed rather nicely, with makeup on. She asserted that she was so glad we were there to help the women and that they really deserved the assistance. It took me five minutes of conversation to realize that this woman was herself, homeless. She told us that she had ten children, all girls, and she was looking to have some boys. I had so many questions for her, but I had to refrain, as I did not want to offend her. At the desk, we answered the phone, checked the ladies mail, and signed them up for case management, where women are able to get help with collecting social security, getting jobs, or looking for permanent residency. We also announce classes; today was anger management and safety in relationships, and answered general questions, among other things. We met a lot of women, many of whom just wanted to talk. We met a woman who is an aspiring comedian. She preaches on the street and speaks a lot about her faith and God’s love. She is inoffensive in sharing her beliefs, at least I thought so, but she has a very positive outlook on life. She hasn’t complained once all day! Sister Miriam asked us if she could tell us some jokes; she is HILARIOUS. She does a great Michael Jackson dance routine. Meeting Sister was a perfect first day experience. I learned about a lot of positive ways to engage with the women and it was really the first experience I had with the homeless women that wasn’t intimidating. When you take them off of the street, you are able to look at them differently, and look at them on more of a humanistic level . I love it at the Downtown Women’s Center. They served snack at 2:45 and it was really fancy, the nutritionist made fried rice! All homeless women on Skid Row are able to have three meals a day through the Center. They can shower, receive mail, even watch TV. The only thing they can’t do is sleep overnight. The center closes at 4pm so the women have ample time to get to overnight shelters, where they have to line up early to get in. I would assume that they serve dinner at many of the shelters as well. I can’t wait to go back to DWC.

-Alyssa Silva