98 Women's Shelters/Second Stage Housing Providers Benefit from Funding

TORONTO – The McGuinty government is helping women's shelters and second stage housing providers keep their facilities safe and accessible for women and children, Community and Social Services Minister Sandra Pupatello announced today.

"With this investment, we are strengthening some of the most important pillars of our domestic violence prevention system," Pupatello said. "These funds will allow people who help women and children fleeing violence to spend more time providing counselling and care, and less time trying to find the money to fix the fridge, the roof or the furnace."

The government is investing $2 million to help 98 women's shelters and second stage housing providers make security upgrades, accessibility improvements, health and safety renovations and undertake efficiency and cost-saving projects. Projects include energy saving initiatives, enhancing security systems, installing wheelchair ramps and small structural improvements.

The investment is part of the government's $66 million Domestic Violence Action Plan announced last December. The action plan will strengthen existing domestic violence programs and services, and places an important new emphasis on prevention and better community supports for abused women and their children.

"At^lohsa has provided safe refuge to over 2,000 abused women and their children since opening Zhaawanong Shelter in 1992. The funds announced today will upgrade and enhance the facility ensuring the health and safety of the women and children who take temporary refuge there," said Darlene Ritchie, Executive Director, At^Lohsa Native Family Healing Services Inc., in London.

"Our government made an early commitment to do more to support agencies that protect women and children fleeing abuse. We are delivering on that commitment," said Pupatello. "We are investing in local community services because we recognize the crucial role they play in keeping Ontario communities safe and strong."