The WHY
We observed that women are particularly vulnerable to physical and emotional abusive relationships when trying to live on the streets.
From our experience, many parking programs do not meet women’s needs for physical safety, so we are prioritizing housing. We wanted to develop a shelter program for women.
Our VALUES for our community
● Physical and emotional safety
● Space and time for healing from trauma
● Autonomy
● Community building
Advocacy: We are helping shift the narrative from merely “housed” to “human restoration,” focusing on the Stabilization Milestones that actually make permanent housing possible.
Our HISTORY
The work of Ann’s Heart Women’s Shelter began in 2016 with a loving woman, Ann Elliot, at the forefront of the local meal programs for the unhoused in Springfield, Oregon, and by our founders supporting other local nonprofits that serve the unhoused. While working with the unhoused women of our area, we learned of the urgent need for a safe space that allows women to recover from the trauma they experience while unhoused.
Our work continued, and in 2021, Ann’s Heart became a registered 501(c)(3) and in December of 2023, we opened the doors to our first shelter home.
Today, Ann’s Heart functions as a six-bed emergency shelter for women serving Lane County. Each of our shelter guests works with the shelter staff to develop a housing plan that includes goals and measurables towards securing permanent housing. Our program employs a high staff to shelter guest ratio, allowing us to focus on each guest’s needs, provide consistent and thorough guidance, and allocate sufficient time with guests on their housing plans.
Our small shelter size allows women to avoid the inevitable stresses that stem from a larger shelter and to develop trusting relationships with our staff. We currently operate one shelter home and have long-term goals to operate multiple shelter homes and have an outreach program in Lane County to serve a larger population and geographical area.
Timeline
2016: We spoke with women that were living on the streets for the past years, to gain their ideas, concerns and input. Through the meals program at Ebbert UMC, we identified at least 17 women who have a need for safe shelter and recovery from trauma. Some of these women have been involved in the planning process.
September 2016: Ann’s Heart Women’s Shelter was created. We decided to name our project in memory of Ann Elliott, a member at Ebbert United Methodist, who showed great compassion to the guests. We remember not just her legendary meatloaf, but her listening heart.
2018: By 2018, Ann’s Heart had raised over $30,000 to start working toward transitional housing.
2020: We partnered with other local organizations to help sponsor the housing, support, and medical costs for two women.
2021: Continued and grew our local partnerships, by sponsoring and providing special grants for over nine women.
April 1, 2021: Ann’s Heart becomes a 501(c)3 organization!
2022: Seven women have transitioned from the program into permanent housing options. We continue to sponsor and support four additional women.
March 2022: Ann’s Heart’s first online auction and major fundraising event during the pandemic, Celebrate The Heart Fundraising Auction. We raised $4,831.
December 2023: Signs a contract and receives funding from the Lane County All In grant.
Ann’s Heart opens its first shelter for women in Eugene, Oregon!
December 2023 thru May 2023: Ann’s Heart operated an emergency shelter for women Eugene, Oregon.
May 2023: Ann’s Heart moves to a new location in Creswell, Oregon.
This program was funded through the Lane County All In grant , along with other grants, and individual donations.June 2025: The Lane County All In grant ends in June due to a change in HUD and federal funding values and priorities.
July 2025-2026: Our shelter and operations continues entirely funded by our non-county grants and individual donations.
April 2026: We officially partnered with RISE: Resilient Innovation for Sustainable Enterprise!
Together, we are developing a strong strategic plan, governance structure, and long-term sustainability plans.
2026 and Beyond: We have so many dreams for Ann’s Heart! More sites, tiny home village…