Calvary Women's Services
Calvary Women’s Services supports women experiencing homelessness in Washington, DC, in transforming their lives through housing, health, education, and employment programs. Serving over 250 women annually, many of whom are survivors of violence or trauma, live with mental illness, or are in recovery from substance use, Calvary provides personalized support that helps women achieve safe housing, financial independence, and improved well-being. By combining housing, case management, and workforce support, Calvary equips women with the stability and tools they need to rebuild their lives and strengthen their families.
Founded in 1983 as the first women’s shelter in the DC Metro area, Calvary has grown steadily over four decades. Today, the organization operates multiple transitional and permanent supportive housing programs, including Sister Circle, Good Hope, Sisters Rise, Reach Up, and New Foundations. In recent years, Calvary has increased its capacity by more than 250%, expanding beds from 56 to 135 and adding new programs focused on survivors of domestic violence.
With funding from the Aura Cacia Positive Change Project, Calvary is expanding its Women’s Economic Empowerment Program, providing women exiting transitional housing with rental assistance, employment support, financial literacy training, and access to flexible funding through the Women’s Empowerment Fund. Each year, more than 250 women will receive guidance in securing stable employment at a living wage, managing
finances, and maintaining permanent housing. By equipping women with practical skills, supportive resources, and confidence, Calvary helps them move from homelessness and crisis to stability, independence, and long-term success.
Through this work, Calvary strengthens families and communities while providing a foundation for women to achieve their goals. The organization’s integrated approach combines housing, education, and economic support to create lasting change, helping women rebuild their lives, improve their well-being, and build brighter futures for themselves and those they care for.
