Supporting Vulnerable Women on the West Side – Then and Now
The West Side of Columbus, rich in history, stories and resilience, is a place where socio-economic struggles have persisted for over a century. My family’s history in Franklinton is deep. My great-grandmother lived on Chicago Avenue as a child and then moved to Bellows Avenue in a home I would one day live in as well. These roots are not just footnotes in local history, but a testament to the deep connection many residents have to this area and the pervasive challenges it has faced over the years.
In 1905, Evangeline Reams, a trailblazer in the fight for social services, established the Friends Rescue Home in central Ohio to provide sanctuary for women who, like me, were often stigmatized and marginalized by society. Initially founded in the Hilltop neighborhood, Reams’s work later expanded to a larger building on North Chase Avenue to accommodate the increasing number of women seeking shelter and care.
In my formative years, I found myself caught in a cycle of addiction and survival, engaging in street-based sex work, much like generations of women from the west side. However, my experiences have given me a perspective that many of my neighbors are still reluctant to acknowledge: the need for compassion towards our most vulnerable residents.
Sanctuary Night continues the tradition of supporting west side women and provides support and vital mental, physical and behavioral health services for those at risk for sexual exploitation, embracing Reams’s early mission. Sanctuary Night holds a special place for staff members with lived experiences, like myself. It provides a space for connection, support and an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of women in need. As the director of operations, I am proud to be part of a team that has walked similarly difficult paths as the individuals we serve. Our lived experiences shape how we approach the work, guiding us to create an environment where empathy, understanding and empowerment are at the forefront.
This starkly contrasts with some community members who view Sanctuary Night as a nuisance, arguing that it attracts crime and disorder. While necessary operational changes have been made to address concerns, such perceptions often stem from a lack of understanding and an unwillingness to empathize with those who are struggling. The reality is that the sex trade, human trafficking and addiction exist in our community, much like it has for the past century, whether it is visible or not. Sanctuary Night is a safe space and a first step in transforming lives.
Sanctuary Night isn’t just a job for many of us, including me. It's an opportunity to give back to the community and be part of a movement that prioritizes harm reduction over judgment, treating others with dignity and respect. Working alongside individuals with similar experiences reinforces our commitment to supporting people where they are, providing the tools and resources needed to reduce harm and foster safety.
Just as Evangeline Reams began her work more than 100 years ago, Sanctuary Night is essential to provide local women with meaningful and impactful care.
Mandie (Matthews) Knight is the Director of Operations for Sanctuary Night and serves as an Ambassador on the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Commission.
