Date
5-2026
Document Type
Capstone Project (Open Access)
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Department
Health, Human Services and Public Policy
Major
Collaborative Health and Human Services
Abstract
Homelessness among women in Monterey County continues to be a significant and growing concern, with many women facing barriers to accessing basic needs, housing, healthcare, and supportive services. This capstone project was conducted at Gathering for Women, a nonprofit organization that provides a safe and supportive environment for women experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The purpose of this project was to assess whether the needs of the women served are being effectively met through existing services and to identify gaps in care.
A quantitative client needs assessment survey was implemented using to evaluate key areas including overall satisfaction, access to resources, staff support, safety, and service availability. The target population included women utilizing services at Gathering for Women, many of whom face complex challenges such as financial instability, health concerns, and limited access to housing.
The findings revealed that while many participants reported feeling safe, supported, and satisfied with services, there were still notable gaps related to resource accessibility, consistency of services, and additional support needs. Based on these results, it is recommended that Gathering for Women continue its current services while implementing additional support such as improved resource communication, expanded service offerings, and enhanced client engagement strategies. These steps will help strengthen the organization’s impact and better support women on their path toward stability and housing.
Recommended Citation
Salafai, Shavea L., "Supporting Women Through Evaluation: Measuring Service Impact at Gathering for Women" (2026). Capstone Projects and Master's Theses. 2110.
https://digitalcommons.csumb.edu/caps_thes_all/2110