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The Sophia Way is Giving Women on the Eastside Hope.

A path out of homelessness.

Fifteen years ago, there were no shelters for single adult women experiencing homelessness on the Eastside. The need was urgent, but the resources were scarce. That changed when The Sophia Way opened its doors—starting as eight mats on a church floor. Today, The Sophia Way has grown into a full-scale operation with 24/7 shelters, vehicle outreach, and housing assistance programs. At the heart of the organization today is Executive Director Dietra Clayton, whose passion and advocacy continue to shape the way The Sophia Way serves its community.

At Sophia’s Place, the organization’s active day center, hope and normalcy intersect. Women will be washing clothes, acquiring bus tickets, or picking up essentials. A case manager sits across from a client, patiently helping her navigate the maze of paperwork that could unlock the door to permanent housing. “They can shop for whatever they need, whether that’s purses, eyeliner, whatever they need to kind of get through,” said Clayton. “And we have programming here—everything from financial literacy to emotional health and well-being.”

“For us, success looks like not only people moving into housing but staying in housing.”

The Sophia Way’s impact extends far beyond its walls. Although their mission focuses on serving single adult women, they collaborate closely with other Eastside shelters to ensure no one is left behind. If a woman requires specialized services, they seamlessly connect her to the right resources, ensuring her needs are met.

Women come to The Sophia Way at all stages of homelessness. Some have lost jobs, others have left abusive situations, and many are simply priced out of a region where affordable housing is nearly impossible to secure. The relative wealth of the region masks the underlying challenges for many residents at the lower end of the income scale.

“There’s a misconception that homelessness doesn’t exist on the Eastside,” said Clayton. “But the truth is, 92% of the women we serve make under $40,000 a year.” Housing costs can be staggering for some, with first and last month’s rent plus a deposit costing anywhere from $6,000 to $10,000. For a single adult woman, that’s a lot of money.”

The need for services like The Sophia Way is greater than people realize, and the lack of awareness makes it challenging. Clayton urges Eastside residents to get involved.

“People assume that someone else is really helping support us, and that’s usually not true. So don’t assume that someone else is doing it. Get involved. We can’t do this alone,” Clayton explained. In reality, the need far outweighs the available resources, making community involvement essential.

The Sophia Way offers a broad array of services, and their reach extends beyond the actual shelter facilities. You don’t have to be living in a shelter to access services. Whether it’s obtaining an ID, applying for disability benefits, or addressing an eviction history, the organization provides a path toward stability and independence.

But providing resources is only part of the solution. The real challenge lies in helping women break through the financial and systemic barriers keeping them homeless. “For us, success looks like not only people moving into housing but staying in housing,” said Clayton. Over a twelve-month period, The Sophia Way helped nearly 150 women move into their own homes, and helped over 400 women find shelter, safety, and stability. Beyond tracking how many women move into housing, The Sophia Way also measures success through surveys that assess a woman’s sense of hope, positive client feedback, and declining 911 call volume.

As The Sophia Way and Clayton look to the future, they’re focusing on identifying underserved populations on the Eastside, expanding services for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, and continuing to advocate for more affordable housing options. Clayton’s commitment to advocacy is deeply personal. She has spent her entire career in social services and helping women in need. “I love that in this role, I get to touch on all aspects of a person’s well-being—housing, mental health, economic growth, etc. That’s what keeps me motivated.”

Meeting Community Needs

From its humble beginnings to its current status as a comprehensive support system, The Sophia Way continues to be a source of hope for women on the Eastside, proving that with compassion and community support, positive change is possible. Clayton asks that people get involved by donating a meal, contributing financially, or volunteering their time at the facilities.

To learn more about The Sophia Way, visit sophiaway.org