Church of Mary Magdalene
A Christian Ministry with Homeless Women in Seattle
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Frequently Asked Questions The Church of Mary Magdalene and Mary's Place
Why are women homeless? Each woman's story is unique, of course. Experiencing life crisis without financial or family support can land almost anyone out on the street. Common issues include: domestic violence, a major illness or accident with no medical insurance, extended unemployment, drug or alcohol addiction and mental illness. Women seeking housing face many barriers: high rents, long waiting lists for subsidized housing, credit problems, previous evictions, mountains of paperwork and the challenge of communicating without an address or phone number.
What denomination are you? We are ecumenical and non-denominational. All women with or without Christian faith are welcome to attend. Our financial and volunteer support comes from churches of all denominations both nationally and locally.
How do women and children become part of your program? All they have to do is show up. Our Saturday worship service and weekday programs are open to women and children who want to be part of a safe accepting and caring community. Although, we are a Christian church, women of any faith or no faith are welcome. We delight in diversity of age, race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, class, life story, physical and mental ability etc. God has such a great imagination!
Why can't men participate in the Church of Mary Magdalene? A large proportion of homeless women have been battered or raped by men. Others suffer the effects of childhood sexual abuse. Some have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of these experiences. In short, we serve many women who simply cannot feel safe and comfortable in the presence of men. With time, safety and healing, women can overcome this problem. In the meantime they need a place of their own, and we know of no other church that can provide it. We do plan visits to regular congregations, including summer picnics. Men are encouraged to attend our special holiday services at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter and our Anniversary in February.
Do you provide night shelter? No. We are a day program only. Women needing night shelter can use the Women's' Referral Service at 2025 Third Avenue. Located in the New YWCA at Third & Lenora in Belltown. The Women's Referral Service opens at 6p.m. This program offers the services of a hot meal and referral to a vacant shelter bed if available.
Families needing shelter should call the Community Information Line and ask for the "Bed Bank." Current information on vacancies are available each morning at 9:30. The number is 206-461-3200 or 800-621-4636.
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