Diocese launches housing for at-risk women
OTTAWA, ON - Forty-two low-income women, including 20 seniors, are moving into a brand new housing complex this summer, thanks to the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa.
The four-storey building on Booth Street will provide studio apartments for women who are either homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless. Cornerstone Housing for Women, a community ministry of the diocese, spearheaded the $11.8 million project, along with support from faith communities, private donors, community agencies and the government.
“It's a bright and airy place," says Sue Garvey, director of Cornerstone. “It's a place of healing and belonging. These women that we are housing have spent their whole lives living in second class, dangerous places. They come here knowing this home was built for them, out of the respect that we have for them, and that we believe they are worthy of such a place."
The eco-friendly building was unveiled on May 25 and residents began moving in at the end of June. The facility includes 24-hour health care assistance and a cafeteria. It also has an on-site pastoral team.
While welcoming residents as young as 18, the building will also provide healthcare and services up to the end of a resident's life.
Garvey adds, “This will be a place where senior women can age in dignity, and at home, with the support they need."
Cornerstone also runs two other residences for women in Ottawa and an emergency shelter.
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