As I ducked under the doorway, my eyes adjusted to the dimly lit room. My nostrils filled with the stench of body odor, alcohol and cigarette smoke. I understood why one of the social workers told me to put on clothing I could wash afterward.
I saw women huddled around heaters situated throughout the room, each with masks and hats pulled low over their faces. Red overhead lights gave the room an unsettling feel.
“Don’t make eye contact with the men, just the women,” I reminded myself...
