The Sheltered Life is told from the points of view of nine women who find themselves at Hope Harbor Women's Shelter, a unique shelter that lets women stay for a month and gives them the option of renting their bed on a weekly basis, in Atlanta, GA. Many things brought them together and as they learn to get to know one another and get back on their feet, they learn that it is they who can change their own lives.
Carrie is a TV producer who is married to a wealthy politician who is currently planning to run for the Senate. She and her husband have been having marital problems and Carrie finally decides to leave him and their wealthy lifestyle when she finds him with another woman in their bed. Carrie is used to the posh life and having luxuries at her every beck and call. She finds herself on the run from her rich husband who has powerful connections and decides that being in a homeless shelter, a place they would never think to look for her, is the safest route.
Miranda is a lesbian who is also a practicing Wiccan. She comes from a sexually abusive home and is only nineteen. She is in the shelter because her parents, strict Southern Baptists, kicked her out when they saw her kissing her girlfriend. Miranda currently works at Emory hospital in Midtown.
Sasha is a recovering narcotic user who also prostitutes for money. She is addicted to sex and can't seem to help herself. She loves the buzz of the drugs and is in the shelter because she decided she wanted to quit the drugs. Sex makes sure she has food and clothes at least.
Edith is a devout fire and brimstone religious person who makes sure everyone can hear her praying in tongues and praising the Lord. Several women encourage her while others barely tolerate her. Edith is a recovering alcoholic and is trying to lead everyone to Jesus.
Cora is a homeless Army veteran who has served two tours in Iraq. She currently works at Popeyes in the Five Points Plaza downtown and is saving her money up for a cheap apartment.
Ms. Indigo is a spry eighty year old who is not homeless but is the dorm manager. She lives with the women and her favorite thing to say is "Rules!" She gets a free bed and meals for volunteering for her position. She is also on disability.
Celeste is a published author and holds a degree in journalism. She has been out of a job for over a year and depends on book sales to get by and also submits articles to magazines. Her house got foreclosed on and she is grateful that her only daughter, Denise, is attending Harvard. Denise has no idea her mother is homeless.
Chasity is a mentally ill person who believes she is Isis incarnate. She is a long term resident of the shelter and is usually really nice when she is on her medication--which she has to be in order to live at the shelter. She is obsessed with Egyptian mythology.
Gemini is a musician who sings beautifully and also plays the saxophone by the Peachtree MARTA station. She has collaborated with one of the local business and her music brings in customers all day. Along with the money earned from playing, she often gets free food and clothes. Her goal is to go to SCAD to pursue a degree in performing arts.
Ethel is a disabled elderly woman who has not spoken to her family for over thirty years. After she divorced her husband, he cut her out of his life. Now, being in the shelter, it is only a matter of time for her. Her disability pays her "rent" at the shelter and she spends her time crocheting socks and sells them online and on the train.
