Photo by Leroy Hamilton
By Shirley Hawkins
Contributing Writer
LOS ANGELES — Brittany Walker has experienced her share of trauma.
“At the age of 18, I got married, had two children and experienced physical, mental and verbal abuse at the hands of my husband,” she said, recalling her past.
Desperate to escape the abuse, Walker lived in her car for three years.
“Seven years ago, I was homeless,” she said. “I faced the harsh realities of living without safety and shelter for myself and my children.”
Aware that other women were also living in desperate situations, Walker decided to dedicate her life’s work to empowering survivors — transition age foster youth, justice-impacted individuals, young women and children — who had experienced homelessness and abuse.
As the founder and chief executive officer of Butterfly’s Haven, a transitional home for the homeless, formerly incarcerated and single mothers, Walker is living the life she chose.
According to a 2024 report, there are 24,853 homeless women in Los Angeles County.
“I dedicated my life’s work to empowering survivors and tackling these intractable issues that plague women and children,” Walker said.
“I worked as a case manager and a housing navigator for several shelters while running and operating a mother’s support group called Mothers Strengthening Mothers. I also obtained my human resources certification from Loyola Marymount University.
“With a passionate desire to continue serving my community, I opened Butterfly’s Haven in February 2022 with private funding and donations.”
Aware that many youth have aged out of the foster care system, Walker offered them a home and support.
“We created a safe space at Butterfly’s Haven that gives them the opportunity to talk about their experiences with no judgment,” she said. “Here at Butterfly’s Haven, the women pay $600 to $1,200 a month. They have their own bedroom and bathroom and all utilities are included.
The Wifi and laundry facilities are free of cost and we supply all groceries. We also work with mothers separated from their children by [the county Department of Children and Family Services] and help mothers and children get reunified.”
The wraparound services at Butterfly’s Haven include two life coaches who help the women find employment. The nonprofit also offers educational assistance, financial literacy, cleaning and cooking services, budgeting classes, mental health services and life skill courses.
“We also have sessions where we work on changing their mindset and there are also art therapy classes, which help the women have a safe space where they can express themselves and have time to reflect and heal.”
Butterfly’s Haven’s groundbreaking programs include Wings of Justice, a rapid rehousing initiative providing formerly incarcerated individuals with housing, employment pathways and supportive services for long-term success, and the Legacy of Love Family Reunification program, which offers court navigation, visitation support, and family strengthening resources to restore the bonds between parents and children impacted by foster care and homelessness.
In an effort to combat the housing crisis and increase services, Walker plans to continue expanding Butterfly’s Haven with a new facility.
“We will be opening an interim housing and shelter next month,” she said.
Kaehlynn Pierce, 26, found Butterfly’s Haven to be a godsend.
“I got away from the person that I was in a domestic violence relationship with,” she said. “I found myself homeless with my child, my niece and my nephew. But Butterfly’s Haven offered classes that helped me with my trauma.”
With the support of Butterfly’s Haven, Pierce was able to finish her high school credits.
“I also had a plan,” Pierce added. “A year ago I started my own party planning and design business.”
Butterfly’s Haven can be reached at 310-807-1351 or info@butterflyshaven.org.
Shirley Hawkins is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers. She can be reached at shirleyhawkins700@gmail.com.
