Nellie's "Hello Summer" 2017 highlights critical housing issues; 3 important federal strategies
you must know about; uplifting stories and photos; as well as our calendar of events.
In This Issue: Housing... What housing?! * It's about time... 3 Important Federal Strategies you must know about * Jane's Story * The Star of the Show * Picture Perfect * Calendar of Events


Housing... What housing?!

Women fleeing violence face a multitude of challenges, from the effects of trauma to the lack of financial resources needed to pay first and last months' rent, Nellie's Executive Director, Margarita Mendez, writes.

Throughout the past year, the dominant news story in the GTA has been the lack of affordable housing. With the average price of a detached house in Toronto at $916,567 and rent for a one-bedroom apartment averaging $1,800 (not including utilities), even people with good incomes are having difficulty finding a place to live. This is an issue that is affecting people at all socio-economic levels and ages; from retirees to millennials.

Finding affordable housing is even harder for women who are in shelter, homeless, or trying to escape an abusive relationship. For these women, the competition for safe, affordable housing often means waiting months, if not years, to change their circumstances.

LEARN MORE
Federal strategies to impact women and children
It's about time!
 
The federal government is currently developing no fewer than three national strategies that will shape public policy and funding decisions that affect women and children, and how agencies like Nellie's can support them. A National Housing Strategy, a Strategy to Address Gender-Based Violence, and a Poverty Reduction Strategy are all currently under development and set to be released this year. Together, they could have a lasting impact on the lives of women and children across this country. Read more below.
National Housing Strategy
This will set out the investments and outcomes for the full spectrum of housing from homelessness to home ownership. It will incorporate a new federal-provincial agreement that will set the terms for how governments will work together to improve housing affordability.  
Learn more


National Strategy to Address Gender-based Violence
The strategy aims to strengthen efforts to prevent and address gender-based violence and ensure a coordinated, evidence-based response. Importantly, it will also initiate a long overdue national personal safety survey. 
Learn more.

Poverty Reduction Strategy
This is the government's attempt to recognize the complex social and economic factors leading people into and out of poverty. Canada does not have an official definition of poverty, or an official measure to track it.
Learn more.



Jane's Story
From abuse to a safe place to live, thanks to Nellie's
Jane came to Nellie's two years ago after leaving a physically relationship.

Prior to arriving at our shelter, Jane had a good job in human resources, but after years of abuse by her partner Jane started to experience depression and began to self-medicate as a strategy to cope with the effects of abuse and the resulting trauma.
Learn More.


Leave a Legacy
Leaving a legacy to Nellie's guarantees that the work we do will continue well into the future. Learn More.

The Star of the Show 
Joan shines brightly at Nellie's recent celebration 

On May 18th, Nellie's held its annual donor recognition event at the Daniels Spectrum Artscape Lounge to thank our loyal donors and volunteers for their generosity and support. The evening included remarks from Board members Carol Allain and Bethany Johnson, and Nellie's Executive Director Margarita Mendez.

But the star of the show was Joan. Read More
 
Picture Perfect
Nellie's in the News
Julie Dabrusin,
Member of Parliament for Toronto-Danforth, members of her staff, and staff from Nellie's prepare brunch on Pancake Tuesday
Staff, students and
board members
celebrate International Women's Day

Food Program
volunteers, Patricia Chow and Jolene Hoffie, with donor, Tom Aikens


Nellie's Summer Auction

Love to Shop! Want to support Nellie's Kid's Summer Camp. Combine the two for a worthy cause.

Every year from the middle of July to the end of August, Nellie's runs a summer camp for 25 kids from our Shelter and Community. Campers have an opportunity to visit pools, parks, Centre Island, fly kites, tour historical sites and museums among various other attractions around Toronto. We need your help to provide nutritious meals and snacks daily, summer clothing and Back-to-School supplies to campers for the upcoming school year. So if you are looking for an easy way to support Nellie's, or just looking for a bargain, please go to http;//www.nelliesmarketplace.com and buy something! You will help our kids and get a bargain!

Get Involved

Check out Nellie's Calendar: http://www.nellies.org/get-involved/calendar/


Mailing Address:
970 Queen Street East, PO Box 98118 Toronto, ON M4M 1J0

Shelter Tel: 416-461-1084
Community Support
Tel: 416-461-3404, 416-461-2052 E-mail: outreach@nellies.org

Transitional Housing & Support
Tel: 416-461-0980
E-mail: tsw@nellies.org
Administration
Tel: 416-461-8903
E-mail:
community@nellies.org

Program, Volunteers, Students:
416-461-0739

Financial Donations: 416-461-0769

In Kind Donations: 416-461-0521

Charitable No: 11930-2727-RR0001