Homelessness is overlooked in many corners of the world, and for a variety of reasons. Women, in particular, are at severe risk for sexual and physical abuse when living on the streets, yet many people are unconcerned. The middle and upper class often assume it is the homeless who are to blame for their situation, be it from personal choices or drug and alcohol addiction. Your average citizen is rarely concerned for those less fortunate, convinced their own personal problems are enough to worry about already. Then there are those that choose to go far out of their way to help the homeless, or even those at risk of becoming homeless. This is where Sarah’s Circle lies.
Sarah’s Circle exists to help women get out of homelessness in the Chicago area, while also working to prevent at-risk individuals from becoming homeless. While there are many centers that work toward these goals, Sarah’s Circle differentiates itself in several ways. Many organizations have strict rules and force the homeless in need to conform if they want help. Sarah’s Circle only asks that there is peace and respect between those at the shelter. Other than that, those in need are free to come as they are. It is also the only agency in Chicago that dedicates itself entirely to serving women who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Because the challenges women face on the streets are far more life threatening and risky then they are for men, this makes Sarah’s Circle a gift that cannot be undervalued.
