BOSTON —

Berline, a nursing assistant, was already living paycheck to paycheck when she was in a car crash.

Serious physical injuries and mental health challenges followed, and soon she found herself homeless.

"But I never thought I'd be homeless," she said. "The shame was I didn't want to look like one of those crazy people that is homeless. Even though I am homeless.”

Berline, who asked to be identified by her first name, began rebuilding her life with the help of Women’s Lunch Place, visiting for not only hot, healthy meals but also wraparound services.

"Most of the women who fall into homelessness have experienced real trauma from their childhood through their adulthood. And being in a gendered space provides safety and a place for healing," said Jennifer Hanlon Wigon, CEO of Wome

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