Cornerstone’s women’s shelter finds new temporary living solution
Posted Jun 18, 2021 01:55:00 AM.
A temporary living solution has been found for residents of the Cornerstone women’s shelter until a more permanent location and housing solution can be found.
The shelter, which houses more than 100 women experiencing homelessness, will move temporarily to a community centre in Alta Vista, it was confirmed Thursday.
More than 100 beds will be added to the space.
The new location will also offer all the same supports as the previous temporary shelter at the University of Ottawa — food service, showers, dining space and access to computers, Wi-Fi and television.
However, it does not meet any long-term needs, the shelter says.
“We’re very grateful to Coun. Jean Cloutier and his constituents for welcoming Cornerstone into the neighbourhood,” said Sarah Davis, executive director of Cornerstone Housing for Women. “But we need to emphasize that we can’t just keep shuttling the women from one temporary spot to another. They’re with us because they’re vulnerable and need our support in the short term but the long-term solution they need is safe, supportive permanent places to live.”
Cornerstones will keep pushing to find more permanent solutions to the housing crisis among vulnerable women, David adds.
Although the COVID-19 crisis is among the issues prolonging the impact, it’s likely that impact on the shelter system will continue for some time to come, the shelter says.
“There will always be a need for shelters providing emergency beds and essential services, as well as transitional places for women to live that are stable, dignified and offer case management support,” Davis said. “However, there must also be committed efforts to create permanent, supportive housing for vulnerable women.”
Adding, “Every person in Ottawa deserves a dignified place to live.”
Cornerstone Housing for Women is a community ministry of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa providing emergency shelter and supportive housing for women, including seniors who can’t afford to live alone, woman fleeing abuse and new immigrants.
