Pathways: A Woman'S Way Home

Pathways is a Birmingham-based agency which provides housing and support for women and children who are in shelter and on the streets. Pathways’ mission is “ending homelessness for women and children through hospitality, housing and hope.” Pathways was created in January 2003 by the merger of Bread and Roses Hospitality, Inc. and Birmingham Partnership Assistance to the Homeless (PATH). Both agencies began in the 1980s as responses to the increasing number of women and children who were experiencing homelessness. Bread and Roses began a shelter in 1983 with the support of The Catholic Diocese and became a United Way agency in 1986. St. Mary’s Guild of the Cathedral Church of the Advent and Greater Birmingham Ministries began PATH in 1985 as a day shelter where food, clean clothing, showers and laundry facilities were provided. Last year this program served 1,291 women and children. Pathways continues to expand its services to meet the needs of homeless women and their children. Today the agency operates three transitional shelters and ten two-bedroom transitional apartments in Birmingham, and a housing program for chronically homeless women at our downtown location. Each of Pathways’ housing programs includes supportive services and case management.