We’re a non-lending library; you don’t have to check anything out to belong here.
The books don’t leave, but when you do, we hope you’re a little more grounded, connected, and supported.
Good Circumstance is a welcoming, non-judgmental space where houseless women can access free internet and computers, join community classes, and receive walk-in peer support. We prioritize women who are vulnerable or at risk, and are open to all women.
ABOUT US
Our mission
We offer a dignity-centered, judgment-free services that meet basic needs, foster human connection, and restore a sense of belonging.
Our model
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.
We are a low-barrier, non-lending library space, and what distinguishes our model is the integration of arts and cultural programming within women-centered community and social service support.
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.
By pairing social services with creative and restorative programming - music, reading, meditation, and shared cultural experiences - this model creates conditions for both immediate support and longer-term stabilization. Women are more likely to engage, return, and build trust in systems when those systems offer not just intervention, but dignity, rest, and meaningful connection.
The result is not only improved individual outcomes but reduced strain on emergency systems. When women have access to spaces that support regulation, belonging, and continuity of care, crises can be de-escalated earlier, and pathways to stability become more durable.
Here at Good Circumstance, our goal is for you to feel the lift of having what you need to tackle the days ahead. We provide internet/computer services, reading material, snacks and drinks, and de-escalation services to help build a community that has the foundation to rise up!
Who we serve
Programs & Services
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
Come in and take a look at our books, suggest a title of something you would like to read next! The books do not leave our space and they will be here for you any time you choose to visit.
Peer Listening & Co-Regulation
Everyone gets aggravated sometimes, overcome with different emotions and triggered by different catalysts. We provide an in-person service with trained volunteers and staff for folks who need a moment to compose themselves or talk through the issues and obstacles in front of them.
Safe Community Space
Guests can simply exist without being moved along, sit indoors in a temperature-controlled environment, and interact with others on their own terms.
Food and Drinks
We provide free water and juice to the community and are aiming to have snacks available for free to patrons very soon!
The Case for Change
If you’re homeless, there’s chronic instability, lack of safety, and social isolation, which
significantly impacts both mental and physical health,
and limits individuals’ ability to navigate systems and access support.
In addition, the human services system is built in ways that make help difficult to access—spread across agencies, burdened with paperwork, and dependent on consistency in moments when life is anything but stable.
Women in particular face distinct risks within homelessness, including higher rates of gender-based violence and a greater likelihood of living in unsafe or hidden conditions. These realities are often overlooked in systems not designed to meet their needs.
Investing in Good Circumstance supports a model that restores access, dignity, and choice, while also strengthening individuals’ capacity to engage, stabilize, and move toward long-term outcomes. By directing resources to those facing the greatest barriers, this approach creates meaningful and lasting impact.
OUR MODEL
What distinguishes our model is not just the creation of a low-barrier, non-lending library space, but the integration of arts and cultural programming with women-centered community and social service support.
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.
By pairing social services with creative and restorative programming—music, reading, meditation, and shared cultural experiences—this model creates conditions for both immediate support and longer-term stabilization. Women are more likely to engage, return, and build trust in systems when those systems offer not just intervention, but dignity, rest, and meaningful connection.
The result is not only improved individual outcomes but reduced strain on emergency systems. When women have access to spaces that support regulation, belonging, and continuity of care, crises can be de-escalated earlier, and pathways to stability become more durable.
We are a low-barrier, non-lending library space, and what distinguishes our model is the integration of arts and cultural programming within women-centered community and social service support.
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.
By pairing social services with creative and restorative programming - music, reading, meditation, and shared cultural experiences - this model creates conditions for both immediate support and longer-term stabilization. People are more likely to engage, return, and build trust in systems when those systems offer not just intervention, but dignity, rest, and meaningful connection.
The result is not only improved individual outcomes but reduced strain on emergency systems. When women have access to spaces that support regulation, belonging, and continuity of care, crises can be de-escalated earlier, and pathways to stability become more durable.
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.
Ways to Help
Each gift fuels life-changing services — free community classes, hot showers, meals for the hungry, and compassionate support for women seeking a fresh start.
We need you the most! Please ask about donating your time to support our mission.
We are also looking for helpers! Please reach out if you have availability to teach a class that benefits the community. We especially love expressive arts, healing movement, job and business skills, and expert Q&A sessions.
Thank you for caring about our community!
Because of you, change happens.
Because of you, change happens.
Current Requests:
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Small and medium picture frame donations
These would be used in our Quiet Reflection space. We have a typewriter that people can use to express their thoughts and feelings. We will frame the creations, and then people can either display it on the wall at our facility or take it with them.
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Socks
Seeking clean, new, and warm socks in all sizes!
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Items for our raffles
Help us raise money by giving something to the community.
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Artist Showcase
We are currently accepting art by local artists to be highlighted in our artists showcase and then sold to raise money for our mission. We would love to receive prints or original art for this cause.
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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.
Make a Donation
Your generous gift gives food and water, books, clean clothes, and counseling services to women in need. Thank you!