In a quiet neighborhood, HER House, a haven for women in recovery, stands tall. Established by UDC Law alum Sarah Buskirk ’22, HER House is more than just transitional housing; it is a beacon of hope inspired by firsthand experiences and a commitment to bridging the gap in accessible recovery resources.
Sarah stated “Research has shown that people… who live in [transitional] housing have improved recovery outcomes, lower incarceration rates, and increased employment opportunities.” The mission of HER House aligns with the four major dimensions of recovery: health, home, purpose, and community. HER House supports women in achieving long-term sobriety by providing safe and supportive housing.
When asked about the challenges women face on the road to recovery, Sarah outlined several issues. From financial pressures to housing difficulties tied to caregiving responsibilities, the obstacles are multifaceted. In addition the fear of consequences, both legal and personal, along with the prevalence of abuse further complicates the recovery journey for women.
During the interview, Sarah revealed, “I am a person in recovery, and a huge part of my own addiction and recovery story is a lack of access to affordable housing.” This realization inspired Sarah to create HER House, drawing from her early experiences battling addiction and the transformative impact of living in supportive environments during those challenging times.
While working as a Law Clerk and Public Defender in the 15th Judicial Circuit in Virginia, Sarah identified a critical gap in affordable and safe housing for women. “Often, women leave the local jail, the Department of Corrections, or a rehabilitation program and return to their community with minimal transitional supports,” she explained.
Reflecting on her time at UDC Law, Sarah shared that her coursework and fieldwork prepared her to impact change. Courses like Race and the Law improved Sarah’s understanding of the systemic challenges affecting the women who seek help. Additionally, her legal education offered perspective on the historical context of the war on drugs and its generational impact on communities. Sarah expressed gratitude stating, “UDC gave me the courage to speak up when I know something needs to be done and to be honest about who I am and what is important to me.”
In addition to creating a haven for women in recovery, Sarah has taken a significant step towards empowering students in their academic pursuits. Recognizing the importance of addiction awareness, Sarah has created a $1,000 annual scholarship benefiting UDC Law students. The scholarship will be awarded to a student who writes the most compelling essay on the impact of addiction on the legal profession, emphasizing the necessity of awareness in representing clients affected by this issue.
Currently, HER House accommodates six women, with plans to welcome one more in the near future. Since its inception in August 2023, HER House has provided more than 500 individual nights of safety and security for ten women. To sustain the critical supports provided to the women residing at HER House, Sarah welcomes various forms of assistance including monetary support, clothing donations, feminine products, cleaning supplies, and legal aid.
Looking ahead, Sarah envisions a future where HER House catalyzes positive change, empowering women to rebuild their lives, relationships, and sense of self.
