Jubilee Women's Center

The mission of Jubilee Women's Center is to support women experiencing poverty to build stable and fulfilling futures, one extraordinary woman at a time. Led by the guiding principle that women of all races and cultures are to be treated with respect and dignity, Jubilee provides programs and services that empower women to make positive life changes. The causes and consequences of poverty are often related, creating a cycle that can be difficult to interrupt. Jubilee houses approximately 60 women each year who are facing poverty, domestic violence, a devastating illness or accident, lack of affordable housing and living wage employment, substance abuse, or a combination of these. In addition to safe and affordable community housing, residents of Jubilee receive holistic support services, educational opportunities, and time to transition from homelessness to independent living. To help Jubilee clients and a growing number of low-income women develop personally and professionally so they can sustain independent living, Jubilee opened the Learning & Opportunity Center (LOC) in 2012. The LOC gives clients access to tools and resources to build skills and confidence for a healthy, stable and self-sufficient life. Courses are open to residents, alumnae, and other low-income women in the community. Jubilee also offers free clothing, referrals,and access to a computer lab. Founded in 1983, Jubilees main site (in a former convent) and an additional property are located in a quiet residential neighborhood in Capitol Hill. Thirty-two women of all faiths, cultures and backgrounds live there. In October 2014, Jubilee welcomed Sojourner Place to its residential community, adding space for 10 additional single and pregnant homeless women in the University District. Program participants enjoy the safety and support of Jubilee on average 16 months, giving them time to heal and move out of crisis into a stable and self-sufficient future.