Abstract

This study examined 76 female homeless shelter consumers’ accounts of their experiences with homelessness and shelter life to determine the role spirituality played in their lives. The themes represented in women’s narratives: religiosity, identity, and connection to others were closely aligned to themes identified in feminist literature comprising women’s spirituality. Women in the study elaborated on themes identified by feminist scholars with respect to the role of women’s spirituality. Their narratives suggest that spirituality is a resource that contributes to the personal resilience of homeless women, and that they draw upon to understand, contend with and overcome adversity.