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Local YWCA one of 70
agencies to receive new funding for housing supports The provincial government has invested an extra $3.5 million annually to help women’s shelters, second-stage houses and community agencies that provide refuge and counselling for abused women and their children. Lynn Zimmer, executive director of the YWCA of Peterborough, Victoria and Haliburton, says these funds are actually the restoration of housing support resources that were cut back in 1995. "This additional funding goes back to one of the new government’s promises to restore the dollars that were cut then," she says. The local YWCA will be receiving $60,000 a year. A portion will be flowed to the second-stage housing offered in the County of Peterborough. Centennial Crescent is a Peterborough townhouse community offering long-term housing for women and children. Priority is given to women leaving abusive relationships. Rent is dependent on each tenant’s ability to pay. Some of the funds will also be directed to other women who may not be accepted at Centennial Crescent, yet need supports to transition from abusive situations. "When women leave a violent situation, it takes great courage for them to do so," says Lynn. "It’s not something that is accomplished in a single day. It’s a long process with a lot of adjustments and often a lot of setbacks. Obviously, to do it all by yourself is very difficult." The YWCA will focus on using the new funds to continue providing very practical supports for these women. Besides finding safe, secure housing, the supports could also entail providing counselling services, job training and income supports. Women in Haliburton County will also benefit from the new dollars. The YWCA Resource Centre in Minden will receive some of the funds to be directed towards an innovative, new model of providing an occasional safe place.
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