Accelerating Action: Spotlight on Angela Montgomery, MPH
This Women’s History Month, we’re shining a light on the incredible women who drive change at San Francisco SafeHouse. This year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, is about pushing forward progress, breaking barriers, and ensuring every woman has the opportunity to build a brighter future. Someone at the forefront of this mission is Angela Montgomery, MPH, Program Manager of the Hope Center, where she and her team work to provide women with essential resources, housing support, and a safe, welcoming space to heal.
We spoke with Angela about what inspires her, how her work accelerates action for the women SafeHouse serves, and what she wants the community to know about the power of compassionate, trauma-informed support.
Q: This year’s Women’s History Month theme is #AccelerateAction, which focuses on driving meaningful change for women. In what ways does your work at SafeHouse create real change and opportunities for the women we serve?
Angela: I believe that one of the ways my work creates real change and opportunities for real change for the women we serve is my teaching and belief in “Affirmative Case Management” as part of our trauma-informed approach.
The term “case management” often carries stigma and the feeling of shame for many of the women in our programs. Here at Hope Center, we do not focus on the “wrong” or trauma that has impacted the client’s life; but we affirm and commend each woman for the courage that they have exhibited. The courage to take charge of their lives by working with their case manager to establish a positive future for them and their children. We celebrate the client for every goal reached, no matter how insignificant it may seem. This motivates the client to continue working their individualized care/treatment plans.
Q: What’s a moment that really stands out to you from your time at SafeHouse?
Angela: If I had to identity a moment that stands out for me during my time here at SFSH, it would be when we were able to assist a woman, who is the mother of two children; a 16 year-old daughter and an 8 year-old son (at the time), escape from a severely abusive husband. Her only income was as an Uber driver and she and her children were living in her car for about a week when they came to Hope Center. We were able to provide emergency housing through our hotel program; eventually enrolling her in Rapid Rehousing, where we were able to assist her in finding an apartment, furnishing it, and provide her with a rental subsidy for several months. Within 6 months, the client was able to receive a Section 8 voucher via our EHV (Emergency Housing Voucher) program; enabling her to have a stable, permanent home for her and her children. One day this client emailed me; thanking me for the kindness that my staff and I had shown her throughout her ordeal. She stated that she felt I was doing “God’s work” and “because of you Ms. Angela, I have my daughter’s respect again”. It is moments like this, that makes what we do so worthwhile.
Q: What do you wish the community understood about the women we serve?
Angela: Something that I would like the community to understand is that housing women who have experienced such trauma, is only the beginning. The hard work begins after finding housing. Being housed does not necessarily mean that they are not still homeless. Many of our women feel isolated and alone; overwhelmed by the idea of starting over. Staff and volunteers work diligently to provide support groups, activities, and a welcoming space in our drop-in; to help create a sense of community for the women we serve. You are not alone!
