We hear about "homeless" women and we see them on the streets. At times we may glimpse
or look into the eyes of these "shadow" women living and sleeping on the edge. They have lost their place of residence, for
example, due to job loss, illness, divorce, or the mortgage crises. We may know, up close and personal, women who are "at
risk" in abusive relationships. Many are frozen in place and scared to move out and face the "unknown," especially the loneliness.
Once women are on the streets survival is their main focus while immersed in a world of uncertainty coated with danger, illness
and in some sad instances, death. However, survival trumps death and life goes on.
A shower. Clean clothes. Food to eat. A safe place to be. Someone to talk to. We take
these basics of life for granted. For "shadow" women these basics are all too often "out of reach," or "hit and miss." An
amazing group of volunteers came together in 2005 and began a year-long study of issues faced by homeless and "at risk" women.
They visited the Downtown Women’s Center near Skid Row in Los Angeles and acknowledged that such a service was not available
in Pasadena. A second study was conducted to assess the feasibility of a "daytime hospitality center in Pasadena." Reverend
Pat O’Reilly, Executive Director of the Ecumenical Council Pasadena Area Churches, was contacted and the rest is history.
The Women’s Room officially opened September 13, 2007. Jackie Knowles serves as the Coordinator. Winnie Lam donated
her interior design services regarding all painting, ceiling fan furniture, accessories and rug creating an attractive and
welcoming room. The logo provided by Winnie for The Women’s Room is poppy flowers which symbolize serenity and repose.
The Women’s Room provides, for example, haircuts, gift certificates, free telephone,
movies, music, computer access, TV, magazines, games and prizes. Each month birthdays are celebrated with cake and ice cream.
Case management referral services are available for the women. The Women’s Room is currently open on Mondays and Thursdays
from 1:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m. with a plan to open for additional days.
The Women’s Room has been fortunate to receive numerous grants from foundations,
organizations and individuals. The most recent donation was a check for $1,200 from The Friends Group presented to Jackie
Knowles and Reverend Pat Reilly by Shirley Spencer, Treasurer and Gerda Govine Ituarte, President, to purchase a hot water
heater for the shower and laundry room which is being built, including plumbing, by volunteers Tanya Slatton, Slatton Construction
and Design is collaboration with Rebuilding Together Pasadena http://www.rtpasadena.org/ to build the shower and laundry room
including plumbing. David Gooler is the contractor for this project.
The Women’s Room will need continuous donations to help and support the women.
You can help by donating: canned or boxed food books; personal hygiene items; games,
i.e., scrabble, monopoly; fresh flowers with vase (Monday or Thursday mornings); checks; movies; and volunteer time.
Feel free to call Jackie Knowles at The Women’s Room if you wish to donate items
not mentioned.
Contact: The Women’s Room At Friends In Deed, sponsored by the Ecumenical Council Pasadena Area,
444 East Washington Boulevard, at Los Robles Avenue, (626) 797-2402. Transportation: METRO 687 north on Los Robles or ARTS
BUS 20 north on Fair Oaks or Lake, Transfer to ARTS BUS 30 or 31 at Washington.
