LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) -- Uniting Partners (UP) for Women and Children is the first shelter of its kind in Louisville. It’s a place for homeless women to go with their children, finding security and support in a way they haven't been able to before.
Located in the basement of Christ Church Cathedral, the shelter is a true sanctuary.
Women4Women’s Misty Cruse said, "We're all mothers and we can all sit around that table and think about what our lives may be like if we were the ones under that viaduct, with our families, not able to provide, to buy food or clothes or a rake and in no direction with nowhere to go."
Now, those women have "UP.” It’s a day shelter designed for their needs, complete with toiletries, a clean shower, even a laundry room. They also offer life skills classes and case management.
The shelter officially opened Friday but has been serving women for four weeks. So far, they have had more than 90 visits from women in the metro.
The founders said they created the refuge to bridge a gap. There is no women-only day shelter in Metro Louisville.
Research shows more than 90-percent of homeless mothers have experienced some sort of trauma.
"They needed a space that was specifically designed to make them feel safe and for them, that meant being around other women,” cofounder Andrea Scott said.
The center is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 in the morning to 1:00 in the afternoon. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.
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