Shelter life provides women with the opportunity to support each other and to share their feelings and experiences. We facilitate mandatory daily group meetings, which also provides residents with a way to support each other in working through issues, and assists them in making important decisions about their future. These programs help victims of abuse grow stronger and build better lives for themselves and their children.

Emergency Shelter

The shelter is a safe place for women and their children fleeing intimate partner violence and abuse. Staff are available 24 hours a day to respond to your needs and maintain a comfortable and supportive living environment.

Non-Resident Services

Not all women fleeing violence will stay at a shelter. Some women will access services by telephone or through scheduled appointments with shelter staff while staying in a safe place outside of the shelter.

Children & Youth Services Program

A Children and Youth Services Coordinator provides a variety of services to children living with the effects of witnessing or experiencing family violence and abuse. Services include counselling, assessment, referral, advocacy and group work.

Mental Health Program

A Mental Health counselor is on staff to provide women with specialised mental health services including assessment, counselling, advocacy and referral.

Second Stage Housing

Supported, safe, affordable single and family units are offered to women transitioning into the community from the shelter to more permanent, long term housing.

Supportive Housing Units

Four self-contained units attached to Iris Kirby House provide women needing additional support while transitioning out of the shelter to stay for up to one year and receive services from the Mental Health, Life Skills and Outreach Programs.

Outreach & Special Events

Women and children who have lived at the shelter can take part in a variety of special events and recreational activities throughout the year including our Adopt-a-Family Christmas Program.

Empowerment Group Series

Educational and support groups are offered regularly providing women an opportunity to learn, share, build on their strengths, and move toward security and economic independence.

Life Skills Program

Women are offered assistance with daily life skills such as budgeting, nutritional menu planning, cooking and navigating community services.