Introduction: Muslimat Al-Nisaa is a pioneering non-profit organization dedicated to serving homeless and underserved Muslim women and children. Founded in 1987, it has the distinction of operating one of the first—and today, the largest—independent Muslim women’s shelters in the United States . In practice, this means offering a safe space that is culturally and religiously accommodating – residents pray together five times daily, share halal meals, and support one another in rebuilding their lives . Over the decades, Muslimat Al-Nisaa has evolved from a small volunteer effort into a vital community institution, serving over 5,000 individuals each year through its shelter, food and clothing drives, job training, and other programs . This report chronicles the organization’s history, mission, programs, and challenges, preserving the rich archived content from past websites as an authoritative record of Muslimat Al-Nisaa’s journey.

History & Founding: Muslimat Al-Nisaa was originally established in 1987 by Asma Inge-Hanif, a nurse practitioner, along with co-founder Dr. Maryam Funches . Its initial aim was to provide “culturally sensitive health care, education and social services to underserved women and children in the Muslim community.” For many years, the group operated as a modest community service organization. However, by the early 2000s, Asma Hanif’s frontline medical work had revealed a pressing need for safe housing: “I discovered that many women were experiencing homelessness and violence in their lives,” Hanif recalls . In 2005, Hanif and Funches resolved to expand Muslimat Al-Nisaa’s scope by adding a women’s shelter program to address this unmet need . They spent the next few years advocating for support, visiting mosques and Muslim centers around the Washington D.C.–Baltimore area to rally awareness and funds for a dedicated shelter . Despite facing repeated setbacks and rejections, the founders persisted with faith and determination, drafting formal proposals and building a network of volunteers and donors . Tragically, Dr. Maryam Funches passed away in 2007, before seeing the project fully realized . That same year, Asma Hanif took the extraordinary step of opening up her own home to begin sheltering homeless Muslim women fleeing abuse, in what she described as a “response to an unmet need” in the community .

By 2008, Hanif’s vision materialized into a physical facility: Muslimat Al-Nisaa held an open house for its first full-scale shelter home, called the Muslim Women’s Center (MWC), in the Gwynn Oak neighborhood of Baltimore . “This is the first time we’ve secured a physical location to house homeless women in one home,” Hanif noted proudly at the time . The shelter – a three-level house with seven bedrooms and five bathrooms – could accommodate 15 to 25 women (and their children), depending on family size . Importantly, it welcomed “any Muslim woman and her children from anywhere in the U.S.”, reflecting Muslimat Al-Nisaa’s national reach and the fact that, as a privately funded faith-based shelter, it was not bound by local residency restrictions . Securing this facility was a major milestone after years of effort; community members had pooled donations to sign a five-year lease and cover initial expenses . With the establishment of a permanent shelter, Muslimat Al-Nisaa transitioned from a loosely organized initiative to an incorporated entity (eventually coming under the umbrella of Inge Benevolent Ministries, a 501(c)(3) charity) . The shelter was—and remains—unique in providing an Islamic environment for women in crisis. As one supporter observed, “It is a genuine place protecting the dignity of the Muslim woman…they are not just providing shelter…they are getting these sisters to pursue a life plan.” This founding period, however, was not without hardship: beyond the loss of co-founder Dr. Funches, Hanif and her team struggled against skepticism, funding shortfalls, and personal sacrifice to turn their dream into reality . Their success in opening the MWC in 2008 stands as a testament to unwavering commitment and faith.

Programs & Services: “More Than a Shelter” aptly describes Muslimat Al-Nisaa’s approach . From its inception, the organization has offered a holistic array of programs to address not only the immediate need for housing, but also the underlying issues that lead women and children into homelessness. The core service is housing and emergency shelter – providing a safe, confidential home for women (aged 18 and older) and their children who have nowhere else to go. The shelter operates 24/7, with a 24-hour hotline available for crises . Residents are given secure accommodations in a family-like environment where they can heal from domestic violence, trauma, or dislocation. Beyond a bed, they receive essentials like fresh halal meals, clothing, and a clean, private space to maintain personal dignity . Muslimat Al-Nisaa’s philosophy is that simply warehousing people is not enough; as Hanif states, the goal is “to get them prepared to stand up on their own feet.” Thus, the shelter program comes with a built-in expectation that women engage in goal-oriented activities during their stay. Each woman must agree to a self-sufficiency plan and participate in the trainings and classes offered – in return, the shelter commits to supporting her every step toward regaining independence .

A comprehensive suite of educational and skills-training programs has been developed over time to empower the shelter’s residents. These programs include basic life-skill and “home economics” training (such as cooking, budgeting, and household management), as well as formal education and vocational courses . Many residents are converts or immigrants who may lack family support or knowledge of resources, so Muslimat Al-Nisaa connects them to GED and high school diploma programs and provides tutoring or ESL classes as needed . In partnership with local professionals, the shelter offers certification training in practical careers like nursing assistant, childcare provider, and basic computer literacy, which can lead to viable employment . Job readiness workshops – from résumé writing to interview coaching – are a staple, and there is an emphasis on securing employment with Muslim-owned businesses or other supportive employers in the community . Over the years, Muslimat Al-Nisaa has also organized on-site vocational training; for example, residents have access to CPR/first aid courses and can obtain childcare certifications that prepare them for work in daycare centers or as in-home service providers . This focus on skills training aims to break the cycle of dependency. As one shelter administrator explained, “anyone can provide shelter, but the restoration of self-esteem and the instillation of self-worth is the real challenge. Insha’Allah (God willing), Muslimat Al-Nisaa’s programs…will strive to meet those challenges.” Through education and skills-building, clients leave the shelter better equipped to sustain themselves and their families.