Throughout all of the ups and downs of the last year, we have done everything possible to maintain a high level of service to support women who are experiencing gender-based violence and/or homelessness and their children. But, staying in a precarious situation might actually feel safer than moving to a place full of strangers in the middle of a pandemic. The threat of violence or instability might actually feel like the better option when not knowing what to expect in a shelter environment.
This is where the good news comes in. Through various funding channels, we have already made significant changes to our shelter spaces. We've modified the existing shelter rooms to give each woman and her children a private bathroom, a bedroom and a separate area with a sofa, a television and a dining space. Each room is also equipped with a microwave, fridge, and a coffee maker; fresh meals are delivered to the individual units daily. A stay with us will be safe, private and comfortable.
The work continues in 2021. Through recent funding from the County of Dufferin, we will be able to renovate some of the now unused communal living spaces, which will add more units to accommodate additional families and single women.