Culture Watch: Lou Reed and the Soundtrack of Family Homelessness

Lou Reed’s 1989 album “New York” told some harsh truths about the policies that mired families in homelessness.

On the surface, Lou Reed's "Dirty Blvd." seems like a song about extreme poverty and the hopelessness it engenders. But there’s much more to it than another sad story. Reed is railing against the policy that got those children into poverty and trapped them there. Catherine Hinrichsen from Seattle University’s Project on Family Homelessness remembers Reed, who died a few days ago, and reflects on the social injustices he so eloquently confronted.

Domestic Violence: Helping Children Heal

Domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and families. It also can be incredibly traumatic for children who witness it. Children's advocates from YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish share how they help families heal in today's installment of our monthlong series on domestic violence.

Domestic Violence: Social Isolation and Homelessness

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we're exploring the connections between domestic violence and family homelessness. In this video, Norene Roberts, program manager at a domestic violence shelter, explains how abusers isolate their victims from their friends and family -- and how this isolation can contribute to homelessness. She also gives advice for helping a loved one who is experiencing domestic violence.

Domestic Violence: Applying the Lens of Race Thoughtfully

We're in the middle of the Week Without Violence, an initiative created by YWCA USA nearly 20 years ago to mobilize people in communities across the United States to take action against all forms of violence, wherever it occurs. In recognition of this initiative, as well as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Firesteel is exploring the connections between domestic abuse and family homelessness. In line with the YWCA's commitment to social justice and ending racism, we are also interested in looking at domestic violence through the lens of race. We invited Mike Wong and Patricia Hayden from YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish's Social Justice Accountability Team to contribute today's guest post.

Domestic Violence Awareness: Join the YWCA Week Without Violence

Today marks the beginning of the Week Without Violence, an initiative created by YWCA USA nearly 20 years ago to mobilize people in communities across the United States to take action against all forms of violence, wherever it occurs. Washington state Sen. Steve Hobbs has done important work to remove barriers to housing for survivors of domestic violence. In this video, Sen. Hobbs talks about the importance of the Fair Tenant Screening Act. He also invites you to join the Week Without Violence -- we hope you will!

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