Everyone is one tragedy away from losing the stability of a roof over their head, said the executive director of the John Howard Society.
The society, which helps individuals who are at risk or in conflict with the law, officially opened their women’s housing wing Monday at their Syndicate Avenue location.
The nine-unit wing is the first of its kind in Northwestern Ontario and executive director Liisa Leskowski said they are meeting a serious need.
"We’ve been distressed over the years knowing women continue to be put at risk," she said. "There is no place for them to go, either the shelters or the streets."
The women’s dorm has a secure entrance, a lounge and showers. Each room has its own private washroom. The nine rooms are almost already full.
Leskowski said most of them women came to them with experience living on the streets.
"As with most individuals it’s usually a trauma or a situation or a tragedy that happens in their lives that ends up either making them at risk to being in conflict with the law or at risk of homelessness," she said, adding being able to provide housing for these women means they are not only changing their lives, but making the community safer.
With the addition of the women’s wing, that means there are 10 less rooms for men, but Leskowski said the men recognize women face the same challenges they do.
"I think there has been some adjustments on both parts," she said. "At the end of the day, we all live together in this world and we all face the same challenges."
Laura Palmer has been a resident at the John Howard Society since June 3 and said she enjoys the co-ed nature of the building.
I have female friends I can talk to as well as men," she said. "The women have their own space, the men have theirs. There’s no boundaries to be crossed."
In addition to housing, the organization offers a variety of programs and support services like life skills coaching and reintegration and bail programs.
Palmer said the society has offered a strong support system.
"I think, for me, not being from this town and not knowing anybody being here and having them here and knowing no matter what they’re not going to judge me for what I’ve done in my past and they’re going to be here to help me build my stepping stones to get to know where I need to be in my future," she said.
Palmer said she’s going to use her time at John Howard to fix herself.
"I’ve gotten myself into some problems and I want to be a better person," she said. "That’s why I’m here."
Work started on the women’s wing in January of this year and although it was greatly needed, Leskowski said there is still more housing needed in the city.
"Down the road it’s the responsibility of the community to really look at what our needs are in our community, to work with the municipality, other service providers and community members to say we really need to address the issue of homelessness in our community," she said.
