This grant will cover purchase, shipping, and installation of privacy partitions between beds in the women’s dormitory of PATH’s homeless shelter.

At PATH’s short-term shelter, 42 beds are reserved for unhoused women. They receive meals, access to hygiene facilities, medical services, mental health counseling, job training, and housing navigation. But the women’s dorm, which is one large, open room, affords women very little privacy. Lack of privacy is a significant reason some homeless people refuse to stay in congregate shelters. It may also disturb sleep, worsen mental health conditions, and cause conflict among shelter guests. Homelessness experts recommend providing, at a minimum, partitions that separate beds.

PATH will purchase and install divider panels between the beds in their women’s dormitory. These durable, metal-framed partitions will provide privacy for dressing, sleeping, and other personal activities and will reduce noise and light intrusion. With increased privacy within the shelter, residents will be more likely to remain in PATH’s program and take advantage of resources that will help them become permanently housed.