In Leicester, Massachusetts, there is a promising initiative underway aimed at supporting divorced women and their children. The Sparrow Collective, a local non-profit organization, is proposing the establishment of the state’s first supportive living community specifically designated for this demographic. They are considering utilizing a former elementary school in the area as the site for this community.
Susan Tripi, the founder of The Sparrow Collective, highlighted a concerning statistic: 44 percent of women face poverty within a year following their divorce. She noted that while there are temporary shelters available, there is a noticeable absence of medium-term housing options that can offer comprehensive support services tailored to the needs of women navigating through divorce.
“When we look at the data, when we look at the lived experience of the impact of divorce on women and children, we know that statistically women in Worcester County end up in a position of poverty at a higher rate than in other counties in Massachusetts,” Tripi stated. “This facility in Leicester at the former elementary school is the perfect place to launch the first supportive living community for The Sparrow Collective as a resource for women in Worcester County.”
If their proposal is accepted, the plans include the construction of 30 apartment units along with several amenities. Notably, the project is expected to feature an onsite childcare center and a business education center, among other supportive services designed to empower women and help them rebuild their lives.
