How Domestic Violence Leads To Women on the Streets

domestic violence and homelessness

Domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness among women. Here’s what most people don’t see and how you can help.

When you think of a homeless person, what image comes to mind?

If you’re like I was, you probably picture a man on a street corner. Maybe he’s holding a sign, asking for money, or he’s yelling at no one in particular.

But that image doesn’t tell the whole story.  I learned that with the very first interaction I had volunteering at the Homeless ID Project at the Keys To Change Campus in downtown Phoenix.

A Birth Certificate and a Chance to Start Over

My first task was simple:  Take a birth certificate to the main area and deliver it to the appropriate person. 

So I walked out there and called out the name “Robin” expecting a man to answer.

Instead, a woman raised her hand with visible excitement. I unclipped her birth certificate from my clipboard and walked toward her and I didn’t expect what came next…

She started to cry.

I was taken aback by this as all I was doing was handing over a simple government document.  

Robin shared her story with me, how she was the victim of repeated domestic abuse, and how she had to rush out in the middle of the night. No purse. No cash. No documents. No ID.

When she tries to find a shelter, access public benefits, or get money out of her bank account, she’s told:

You need an ID.”

how to help homeless women

Robin was from California and had never updated to an Arizona Drivers’ License. In Arizona, to get your first ID, you need a birth certificate.  That single piece of paper became a barrier to safety, housing, employment, and other essential services. 

Without it, Robin was out on the street. 

In fact, Robin had been on the streets for over 6 weeks. And now, her abuser had found out where she was.  It was Friday and she was leaving town that afternoon.  If her birth certificate hadn’t come in, she’d be on the streets for another 6-8 weeks.

Now, with a birth certificate in hand, she could move to her new destination, get an ID, pull money out of her bank account and start to rebuild her life.

Domestic Violence and Homelessness: The Hidden Connection

Robin’s situation is far from rare. National studies show that over 90% of women experiencing homelessness have previously endured domestic violence.

nonprofits helping the homeless

Let that sink in.

These are not people who are lazy. They’re not criminals. Robin didn’t choose to be out on the streets. She chose to survive and the price of survival was homelessness.

Domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness for women and children. When survivors make the difficult, and often dangerous, decision to leave their abuser, they frequently do so without financial resources, family support, or even basic documentation.

After talking to Robin, I looked around the lobby and was surprised to see that about 1 out of 3 people there were women. I hadn’t noticed that when I first walked into the waiting area.

What Does Homelessness Really Look Like?

Homelessness isn’t what we think. It’s not the simple stereotype.  It doesn’t always look like tents under an overpass. Sometimes, it looks like the Mom with the small child standing next to you in line at the grocery store. Or the child in your kid’s classroom who hasn’t had a stable place to sleep in weeks.

Changing the perception of homelessness means recognizing its complexity. It means understanding that for many women, homelessness is a byproduct of trauma, not personal failure.

homelessness and women

As a first time volunteer, I became a big believer in what the Homeless ID Project was all about and the impact that our incredible staff, kind people like Sarah, Yulonda, Jon, and Angelica, make to help those rebuild their lives.  These are the unsung heroes making sure every document gets where it needs to go. I had the easy job – I simply delivered the results of their hard work.  

But there’s a tremendous amount of effort that goes on behind the scenes to change lives.  

After that interaction, I made the decision to become a consistent volunteer at the Homeless ID Project. In addition, I made a sizable donation to help out.  In January of 2025, I proudly became a member of  the Board because I’m very honored to contribute to helping the Homeless ID Project rebuild the lives of victims like Robin.

Over the course of 2024, the Homeless ID Project helped 3,068 women rebuild their lives with a birth certificate and/or ID.  We have a dedicated staff of four people and volunteers that help make the place run. But we’re not publicly funded. The IDs and Birth Certificates aren’t free.  They’re not even discounted.

Many nonprofits perform wonderful work on housing and job programs, but the Homeless ID Project focuses on the one thing often overlooked: providing identification for homeless individuals, especially women impacted by domestic violence.

It costs just $32 to provide a woman fleeing domestic violence with the ID and birth certificate she needs to reclaim her life.  Whether you give once or join our monthly supporters, your donation goes directly to removing life-altering barriers.

If you believe that safety, dignity, and second chances shouldn’t depend on a piece of paper, we invite you to be part of the solution by making a donation here: 

a green background with the words $32=1 ID + 1 Birth certificate = a fresh start and a red button that says donate with a black arrow

Let’s stop asking, “Why don’t they just get a job?”
Let’s start asking, “What do they need to start over?”

Because sometimes, the answer is simple: They need an ID. 

text reading little known facts about homelessness

Little Known Facts About Homelessness & How You Can Help

Homelessness is often misunderstood, and many people are unaware of the realities faced by those experiencing it. At Homeless ID Project, we work every day to remove barriers that keep individuals and families from rebuilding their lives. Our tagline, “Help Starts Here,” reflects the vital role identification documents play in breaking the cycle of homelessness. Which homelessness facts do you think will surprise people the most?

1. About Half of All Homeless People in Arizona Are Families with Children

When people think of homelessness, they often picture single adults living on the streets. However, just about 50% of the homeless population in Arizona are families with children. These families face immense challenges, from finding safe shelter to enrolling children in school—both of which require identification documents. Without an ID, getting into stable housing or securing employment becomes nearly impossible.

2. Most People Who Experience Homelessness Will Find Stability Within a Year

One of the most misunderstood homelessness facts is the belief that it is a permanent condition. In reality, 75% of people who are homeless today will no longer be homeless in a year. Many face short-term crises—job loss, medical emergencies, or domestic violence—that temporarily force them onto the streets. The right support at the right time can help them regain stability quickly.

3. Only 15% of People Experiencing Homelessness Are Chronically Homeless

While chronic homelessness is a serious issue, only about 15% of people experiencing homelessness fall into this category. A person is considered chronically homeless if they have been homeless for one year or more or have experienced multiple episodes of homelessness over three years. For many, challenges such as mental illness, substance abuse, or disabilities make breaking free from homelessness much more difficult. However, for the majority, homelessness is a temporary situation that can be resolved with access to vital resources—starting with an ID.

a man and a woman wearing headsets at desks and text that reads "Lack of ID=0 Job Opportunities. Give someone the gift of employment opportunities by donating just $12!

An Ounce of Prevention…

The saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” couldn’t be more relevant to homelessness. The cost of preventing homelessness—by providing an ID, helping someone secure a job, or assisting with rent—is far lower than the cost of long-term homelessness. Prevention efforts are crucial in reducing the number of people who experience homelessness in the first place.

How You Can Help

Understanding these facts is just the first step. You can take action today by getting involved with Homeless ID Project. One of the best ways to start is by taking a tour of the Key Campus in downtown Phoenix. Seeing our work firsthand will help you understand the challenges our clients face and how simple solutions—like an ID—can change lives.

Help Starts Here

At Homeless ID Project, we believe that a single document can be the key to stability, dignity, and a brighter future. With your support, we can continue helping thousands of individuals and families take their first steps toward independence.

Ready to make a difference? Schedule a tour, donate, or volunteer today!

gloved hands holding a sign that reads "homeless please help"

Myth Busted: Homelessness Is Inevitable

When people think about homelessness, it’s often viewed as an insurmountable problem—a societal issue too big to tackle. But the reality is that ending homelessness is not only possible; it’s within our reach if we work together. At the Homeless ID Project, we see this every day. By providing essential identification documents, we’re giving people the tools they need to change their circumstances and empowering them to build better futures.

The Power of an ID

Imagine not being able to get a job, secure housing, or access necessary services simply because you don’t have an ID. This is the harsh reality for many individuals experiencing homelessness. Without an ID, they are stuck in a cycle of instability and vulnerability, unable to take the steps needed to improve their lives. That’s where we come in. At Homeless ID Project, we provide the identification documents that are critical for accessing employment, housing, healthcare, and other essential services.

The impact of something as simple as an ID cannot be overstated. It is often the first step on the path to stability, providing the foundation for individuals to rebuild their lives. Once equipped with an ID, people can apply for jobs, sign leases, and access the support they need to transition out of homelessness. We believe that homelessness can be ended, one person at a time, and it starts with something as simple as an ID.

Collective Action: The Key to Ending Homelessness

While an ID can be a powerful tool for change, ending homelessness requires collective action. It takes a community coming together to provide not just the resources but also the support and opportunities that people need to regain stability. At Homeless ID Project, we are proud to work with dedicated partners, volunteers, and supporters who believe in our mission and help us make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.

However, we can’t do it alone. The fight to end homelessness requires ongoing support and engagement from people like you. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, your involvement is crucial in helping us provide the tools and resources that individuals need to reclaim their lives.

a square invitaion for the "1000 Voices Breakfast" with a photo of a room full og poeple sitting at tables eating

Be Part of the Solution: Join Us at the 1000 Voices Breakfast

If you’re wondering how you can make a lasting impact and be part of the solution to end homelessness, we invite you to join us at our upcoming 1000 Voices Breakfast. This event is an opportunity to learn more about our work, hear inspiring stories of transformation, and discover how you can support our mission.

🗓 When: October 4th, 7:30 – 9:00 AM
📍 Where: AZ Country Club
💬 Why: Make a difference in our community

Together, we can overcome homelessness and create a brighter future for everyone. RSVP today and take the first step toward making a difference.

Let’s work together to provide the tools, opportunities, and hope that individuals need to move from homelessness to stability. With your help, we can create lasting change—one ID at a time.

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