Women In Need
Those are dispiriting figures, really horrible to even contemplate in a city as wealthy as Ottawa, in a country as socially and politically advanced as Canada: That over five hundred women become homeless every year in this city. And then look for assistance wherever they can, to tide them over until they are able to pick up the pieces of their life again.
Or to maintain them in a bare-bones environment that enables them to have a roof over their heads, food to eat, and medical attention as required.
One residence for homeless women operated by the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa, had suffered a tragic fire a month ago, resulting in the death of a 61-year-old resident, and the re-visited homelessness of nineteen other women, living in the Cornerstone women's shelter.
Now the government of Ontario has forwarded $6-million toward the cost of erecting a replacement supportive housing project for these homeless women.
The replacement project will see an increase in size of the residence to 42 units; 20 for low-income seniors, 22 for homeless women, many of whom live with physical or/and mental disabilities. The director of the Cornerstone shelter has admitted an increased need for such housing, particularly in women over 50.
Who knew even that a facility like Cornerstone has been in operation for twenty-five years? Who, in this gentle community of conservative values and social conscience, might even have imagined an ongoing need for such a facility? Providing emergency shelter, and transitional housing in this community for two and a half decades?
This is the underbelly of the city, a prosperous city where the bulk of the population has well-paying jobs and lives well. Despite which we have a network of food banks and a growing population of low-paid service jobs for a demographic whose education level leaves them the sole option of part-time and underwaged jobs.
"Every day", said Sue Garvey, Cornerstone's director, "we receive between 10 and 15 calls from women in need" for whom they are unable to provide assistance. Positively stunning.
Or to maintain them in a bare-bones environment that enables them to have a roof over their heads, food to eat, and medical attention as required.
One residence for homeless women operated by the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa, had suffered a tragic fire a month ago, resulting in the death of a 61-year-old resident, and the re-visited homelessness of nineteen other women, living in the Cornerstone women's shelter.
Now the government of Ontario has forwarded $6-million toward the cost of erecting a replacement supportive housing project for these homeless women.
The replacement project will see an increase in size of the residence to 42 units; 20 for low-income seniors, 22 for homeless women, many of whom live with physical or/and mental disabilities. The director of the Cornerstone shelter has admitted an increased need for such housing, particularly in women over 50.
Who knew even that a facility like Cornerstone has been in operation for twenty-five years? Who, in this gentle community of conservative values and social conscience, might even have imagined an ongoing need for such a facility? Providing emergency shelter, and transitional housing in this community for two and a half decades?
This is the underbelly of the city, a prosperous city where the bulk of the population has well-paying jobs and lives well. Despite which we have a network of food banks and a growing population of low-paid service jobs for a demographic whose education level leaves them the sole option of part-time and underwaged jobs.
"Every day", said Sue Garvey, Cornerstone's director, "we receive between 10 and 15 calls from women in need" for whom they are unable to provide assistance. Positively stunning.
Labels: Human Relations, Ottawa, Particularities
posted by Pieface @ 5:13 PM
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