Re “CARITAS women’s shelter to open in December,” Free Press Nov. 12-14 edition:

The homelessness rate in America has skyrocketed over the years. Homeless people have always been looked down upon. Being a homeless woman in Richmond, let alone anywhere, isn’t very ideal.

While being homeless isn’t a walk in the park, homeless women face a lot more disadvantages. Too many homeless women resort to petty crimes, and even something as serious as prostitution, in order to stay afloat. Because they’re homeless, they also resort to excessive drug use to cope with their issues. Sometimes, they’re homeless because of their addiction.

When it comes to homeless women, many factors come into play. Are they homeless because they’re women? Are they members of the LGBTQIA+ community? Is it because they come from a poverty- and homeless-ridden area? Are they women of color? Do they have children? Each of these questions is an important way of understanding homeless women and their struggles.

There’s nothing more infuriating than a homeless person being told to “just get a job.” Being homeless obviously has its obstacles, especially when getting a job.

Thankfully, with the development of the new CARITAS building and their workforce readiness and training program, many homeless women in Richmond will receive the opportunity to have a second chance at living a normal life.

With the reconstruction of this old tobacco factory, there hopefully will be a decline of homeless women in Richmond within the next six months or so.

SAVANNAH SHEPARD

Richmond