Crisis Shelter & Residence
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“We open a window of hope for women. Some climb through the first time they are here, others come again and again. We keep opening the window but they have to choose to climb through it – and they still need to be offered the chance to change their life around. We feel very honored that we are able to be a place that offers that kind of hope”.
Barb Macpherson, Executive Director of YWCA Saskatoon Last year we housed 951 women, children and youth at risk. Unfortunately we turned away as many as we housed. There is a desperate need for emergency shelter beds in our community at present. The gap between the rich and poor continues to grow. Many of our clients are the working poor trying to support their families. The lack of emergency shelter beds in our community and rising costs of rent makes escaping the cycle of poverty a challenge. While at the Shelter, women have access to a range of other YWCA services including the employment and learning centre, childcare, and fitness facilities and programs. They are also able to access resources at the Community Service Village. |
“The shelter provided me with shelter and nourishment. I received emotional support from staff. They met my needs when I needed to talk. It was helpful to get referrals from staff. I got physical support through the use of the YWCA gym. I got spiritual support through smudging done during my stay.” “The shelter being there for me and my son helped us so much. We are so appreciative. Staff were always there to talk to, no matter what…day or night..staff is always there. It made us feel so safe. I learned that I don’t need others’ approval. I proved to myself that I can do it. I can accomplish anything! I can live life knowing my son and I will be okay!” |
