A haven of unconditional love and support for houseless women
Good Circumstance is a non-lending library for women from all walks of life.
Good Circumstance is a place of belonging. We offer a non-judgmental space where women can read, unwind, access free internet and computers, join community classes, and receive walk-in peer support. We are especially committed to supporting women who are marginalized, vulnerable, or at risk and women across all lived experiences are welcome.
Stop by, and spend some time with us. Talk, sit, rest, build community. We’re here to help.
About Us
We offer dignity-centered, judgment-free services that meet basic needs, foster human connection, and restore a sense of belonging.
We serve all women, including trans and gender expansive people, prioritizing women who are unhoused. Because we believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and care, and that access to consistent, welcoming spaces can make a meaningful difference in how people move forward.
When women have access to spaces that support regulation, belonging and continuity of care, crises can be de-escalacted and pathways to stability become durable.
Programs & Services
When women have access to spaces that support regulation, belonging and continuity of care, crises can be de-escalacted and pathways to stability become durable.
Computer and Internet Access
Our computer area is a quiet, welcoming space where you can go online, check your email, or take care of personal tasks. It is free to use.
Reading Materials
Our books are here for you to read, explore, and return to anytime. Come in, look through the collection, and spend time with what interests you. You’re also welcome to suggest titles you’d like to see on the shelves. The books stay in the space so they’re always here…available whenever you come back.
Peer Listening & Co-Regulation
We provide an in-person service with trained volunteers and staff for folks who need support. You tell us what’s going on and we’ll do what we can to help you sort it out, bring the temperature down, make sense of what’s urgent, and connect to the right resources at the right moment
Safe Community Space
Hang out. Come into a safe, warm space where you can take a breath and spend time at your own pace. Talk with others, build connection, or just sit quietly, read, and have a moment to yourself.
Recreation
A pool table, piano, and art supplies are available to use. Whether you want to play, practice, or just take a break, the space is here for you.
Our Model
We integrate arts and cultural programming within a women-centered community and support space.
This intersection matters.
Research and practice show that while access to basic needs and services is essential, it is not sufficient on its own.
Women navigating homelessness or instability also need spaces where their nervous systems can settle, where they can experience ease, and where they can reconnect with themselves beyond crisis.
Because without that reconnection, it’s hard to imagine what comes next.
We integrate arts and cultural programming within a women-centered community and support space.
This intersection matters.
Research and practice show that while access to basic needs and services is essential, it is not sufficient on its own.
Women navigating homelessness or instability also need spaces where their nervous systems can settle, where they can experience ease, and where they can reconnect with themselves beyond crisis.
Because without that reconnection, it’s hard to imagine what comes next.
Get Involved
Make a Donation
Your support helps sustain the space and services women rely on every day—offering stability, care, and a place to begin again.
Volunteer
Share your time and skills to support the day-to-day work of the space and the women who use it.
Give to Our Current Needs
Contribute items from our current needs list to help keep the space stocked with essentials.
Volunteer
Contribute to an environment where women can pause, feel safe, and reconnect with themselves, often for the first time in a long time.
Volunteer roles include
Greeter
Library supporter
Peer Mentor
Arts and wellness workshop facilitator
Time commitment
Flexible and evolving. We ask that volunteers commit to one two-hour shift per week.
Make a Donation
Your generous gift gives food and water, books, clean clothes, and counseling services to women in need. Thank you!
Current Needs
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Picture Frame Donations (Small & Medium)
We’re collecting small and medium picture frames for our Quiet Reflection space. This area includes a typewriter where visitors can express their thoughts and feelings. We’ll frame what’s created, and each person can choose to display it on the wall or take it with them.
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Socks and coats (all weather)
We’re always in need of new, clean, warm socks and coats in all sizes.
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Raffle Items
Help us raise money by giving something to the community.
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Artist Showcase
We invite local artists to share their work in our showcase. Pieces will be displayed in the space and offered for sale to support our mission. Prints and original artwork are both welcome.
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Teachers
We are currently looking for teachers of different topics to donate their time to lead a small class at our location! Please ask if you can offer any type of class especially on the topics of art, music, resume-building skills, and/or healing, etc.
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Volunteers
We need you! We are looking for people to help create a warm and welcoming environment. This would include listening to women, untangling dysregulation, and helping manage the book and computer room. Training provided for peer mediators.
Meet the Team
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Annie Barry
Executive Director
“Human dignity is at the center of everything we do.”
Annie is the founding director of Good Circumstance, an idea that was created in conversation with Emily Liepold, while talking about ways to positively impact communities. Annie has a background in advocacy, disability rights, therapy, and working with diverse populations. She has a Masters in Counseling Psychology and is passionate about community involvement.
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Dana Solof
Treasurer, Board of Directors
“Unfortunately, there aren’t enough places for people to go.”
Dana Solof is a Partner at a regional commercial real estate firm and a passionate advocate for community development. With over a decade of experience leading projects that strengthen local economies and support small businesses, she brings strategic insight and collaborative energy to every initiative. Dana holds a Master’s in Business Administration and a background in foreign economic policy, combining business acumen with a deep commitment to positive social impact.
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Emily Liepold
Secretary, Board of Directors
Emily is an advocate in human rights and an enthusiast of existential theory with an educational background in chemical physics and computational models. She has a doctorate in astrophysics and is an astronomer at UC Berkeley, hunting for black holes. Emily has published revolutionary papers on the existence and movement of phenomena in the night sky.
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Samantha Brady
Board Member
Samantha is a research scientist and a leading woman in her field. As the COO for a research startup, she uses her doctorate to study and treat oncology patients using specialized methods. She is passionate about mentorship and operational oversight; Samantha is driven by empathy and the belief of humanity in others.
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Viveka Moon
Board Member
Viveka is a teacher of voice, somatic movement, and reiki. She has a Masters in Music and has starred in several operas and theatre performances. She acts as the executive director Lajja Space, a nonprofit in Oregon, which provides services and classes in movement, sound, and voice. Additionally, Viveka performs utilizing her incredible vocalizations alongside DJs, medicine circles, country fair performers, and much more.
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Lara Jaeger
Office & Project Manager
“We want people to feel like they are seen, they are understood, and they have people in their corner.”
Lara is a mom of three who has over twenty years of experience managing businesses and making dreams come true. Here at Good Circumstance, she dedicates her time to providing grant writing, managing waves of change, and keeping all the plates spinning in administration, fundraising, creation, and otherwise.