PITTSBURGH -- There are currently 2,100 homeless people in Allegheny County. They are men, women and increasingly, middle-aged baby boomers.

Bethlehem Haven, located in Pittsburgh, shelters homeless women and has a several programs that helps lead them to self-sufficiency.

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"I feel like a new woman," said Bethlehem Haven resident Joanne Ritter. "I have goals now. I have hope for life."

At 52, she is bipolar and a recovering crack addict. Both her mother and father died several years ago, and her addiction has burned bridges with other family members.

"At first I was angry, but then I found out it was a disappointment, because I thought they would be more supportive," said Ritter. "But in their being more supportive, they were saying no from afar."

It was tough love, Ritter said. But on her own, she finally got into rehab and then a two-year transition program. In the fall, she plans to or hopes to train for a job, while taking her bipolar medication and staying clean.

"It was very terrifying that I might have to sleep on the street and (I'm) extremely grateful for Bethlehem having doors open, having a program for me."

"We want to take them from their homelessness to transitional housing, provide health care support and job training," said Bethlehem executive director Lois Martin.

It's a program with promise, but there are gaps she said. Sometimes affordable housing is not available or the women can't get a job when it is.

And with more mental hospitals closing, Bethlehem Haven sees more chronically mentally ill women.

Bethlehem Haven has 16 permanent housing units for women like Debra Syck, whose bipolar disease will not allow her to be self sufficient.

"I feel very safe," she said. "I have my self-esteem back and take care of myself better than I had ever."

But what is the solution for women like Syck and for women who have recovered but have criminal pasts ?

Tara Snowden, Bethlehem Haven's transitional housing coordinator, said Pittsburgh has empty and abandoned buildings and should renovate them.

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