National Women’s Shelter Network
2025 NWSN NATIONAL CONFERENCE RECAP
The NWSN’s sold-out National Conference in D.C. was everything we hoped for and more. Together, we learned, shared, and shined a light on the urgent needs of women, youth, children, families, and seniors experiencing homelessness. With 336 attendees from 260 Shelter and safe haven programs and coalitions, national partners and allies 35 states, joined together in solidarity, which was especially important as news of a changing Federal landscape impacting the fundings sources of many was announced. We suggest you review the guidance offered in our Coalition Management folder, Preparing for and Responding to a Changing Federal Landscape for steps you may want to consider to prepare your shelter and safe haven programs in the section below. We will continue to update the information in that folder to help you navigate the uncertainties we are all facing.
This year’s convening featured over 50 panel presentations and breakout sessions, 100+ inspiring speakers, and powerful conversations on Capitol Hill. We educated lawmakers on the homelessnes crisis many of us are facing on the ground, the importance of safe shelter in saving lives, and the need for more resources at the Federal level for shelters and safe haven programs that are, in truth, the first responders in a nationwide epidemic of homelessness.
One of the many highlights of the conference was hearing from the NWSN’s official celebrity spokeswoman, 8-time Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter and actress, Gloria Estefan, at our Lunch and Learn session on the second day of the conference, as well as at the National Press Conference spearheading our mission to raise public awareness of women’s homelessness and the importance of safe shelter in saving lives. Gloria Estefan’s voice has been vital to amplifying our mission and impact. Her words left us inspired and motivated to continue the fight for those in need. We are also incredibly thankful for Christina Love from Egegik, located on the Copper River in the interior of Alaska, and Margaret Mitchell, YWCA USA’s CEO, who both gave compelling and invigorating speeches, moving and energizing all of us.
A heartfelt thank you to all our expert speakers and panelists, selfless volunteers, sponsors, and NWSN Board members for their extraordinary commitment and generosity. Your dedication, knowledge, and support made this heartwarming and informative convening of shelters and safe haven programs from across the nation possible and an unforgettable experience for all attendees. We are deeply grateful for your contributions and commitment to our mission to advance the safety, health and wellness of women, youth, children, families and seniors and our Network!
Beyond the numbers and sessions, this conference was an enormous reminder of the strength of our Network. We laughed, we cried, we hugged, we made new connections, and we reunited with old friends. Being in a room filled with passionate, dedicated individuals in shared mission and service was an honor and a privilege.
See what conference attendees said about the experience:
Looking Ahead to 2026!
Before we start planning for our next gathering, we’d love to hear from you! Help us make the next conference even better by filling out this quick survey.
Did you capture special moments at the conference? If you would like to share with everyone, you can upload your photos in this Google Drive folder.
CAPITOL HILL DAY
An unforgettable and uniting experience, the NWSN’s Capitol Hill Day gave shelter leaders the tools and opportunity to educate their Federal lawmakers on the special needs of women, youth, children, families and seniors experiencing homelessness in their communities, the importance of safe, supportive shelter for women, children and families in transition, and the need for more resources to support successful transitions to end homelessness. In total, there were 70 meetings across the House and Senate, over 100 participants — a stellar showing — and significant progress was made in elevating the crisis of women’s and family homelessness. However, the work continues.
The NWSN team is diligently following up with congressional staff on the meetings and contacts made by shelter leaders during our Capitol Hill Day. We continue to make our voices heard and seek resources for our most vulnerable women, children and families. Stay tuned for next steps with Advocacy Alerts from the NWSN coming soon!
