Women’s History Month at Bucks County Housing Group

March is Women’s History Month—a time to celebrate the contributions, leadership, and resilience of women across history and in our everyday lives. At Bucks County Housing Group (BCHG), we’re proud to recognize the powerful role that women play in our organization and in our community’s fight against hunger and homelessness.

Women at the Heart of BCHG

BCHG’s mission is driven forward every day by women—leading at the highest levels, showing up with compassion and care, and shaping the future of housing and food security in Bucks County.

More than 50% of our senior leadership team is comprised of women, including those who manage our housing programs, coordinate community partnerships, and oversee day-to-day operations. Our Board of Directors also reflects this commitment to gender equity, with women making up half of our leadership, including our current Board President, Donna McQuillen.

Beyond leadership, countless women on our staff and volunteer teams show up every day to support our neighbors with empathy, strength, and creativity. Whether they’re running our food pantries, helping a family transition into permanent housing, or counseling first-time homebuyers, these women are indispensable to our mission.

The Disproportionate Impact of Hunger and Housing Insecurity on Women

Women—especially single mothers—are among the most vulnerable populations when it comes to housing instability and food insecurity in Pennsylvania and across the country.

According to the National Women’s Law Center, women are more likely than men to experience poverty at every stage of life, and single mothers face poverty rates nearly five times higher than married couples with children. In 2022 (the most recent year with available data), 28% of mother-only family groups nationwide lived below the poverty line, nearly double the rate of father-only family groups (U.S. Census Bureau, 2024).

Women are also more likely to hold low-wage or part-time jobs, making it more difficult to afford stable housing and consistent access to food—especially when balancing caregiving responsibilities. These challenges are felt acutely in our region, where Bucks County’s cost of living continues to rise, placing further pressure on women-led households.

As a female-forward organization, BCHG is proud to operate programs that work to combat the challenges facing vulnerable women in our community.

How BCHG Supports Women in Bucks County Today

Today, BCHG is proud to offer housing, food, and supportive services that meet the unique needs of women and families in Bucks County.

The majority of families in our Supportive Housing Program are single mother households. These women are often navigating complex challenges like job loss, domestic violence, or lack of affordable childcare—all while trying to secure a safe place to live and provide for their children. The dedicated SHP Case Managers help families transition from homelessness to stability. In this program, our neighbors receive personalized support to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency, whether that means help finding childcare, applying for benefits, or pursuing education and full-time employment.

In our food pantries, women of all ages—many of them primary caregivers—access nutritious groceries that help stretch tight budgets and ensure their families don’t go hungry.

These programs don’t just offer temporary relief—they empower Bucks County’s women in need to build stronger, more stable futures for themselves and their children.

Celebrating Women, Empowering Communities

As we reflect on Women’s History Month, we honor the women who have led and continue to lead the way—both within BCHG and throughout our broader community. Their courage, commitment, and compassion remind us that when women are supported, entire communities grow stronger.

Thank you to the women of BCHG—past, present, and future—for your work, your leadership, and your heart.