To say that we are experiencing a housing crisis in our city would be an understatement. No need to look far to notice the disparities between those who have access to safe housing and those who do not. While condos are being built on almost every street corner in downtown Toronto, many women, girls and gender diverse people do not have access to housing and are struggling to make ends meet. Some are even enduring physical and emotional abuse from a partner so that they can maintain housing.
YWCA Toronto has provided affordable housing since 1873. As one of Canada’s leading housing providers for women and their families, we believe that access to safe, affordable housing is not only a human right but fundamental to creating opportunities for women and girls to heal from violence, find jobs, develop confidence and thrive. We also provide shelter spots for women and families escaping abuse.
One of our shelter residents, Zee, shared her story of resilience.
Less than a year ago, Zee was sleeping at a friend’s home and calling local shelters for a spot, for a new start. She had decided to leave an abusive relationship, mainly for the wellbeing of her son. The abuse at home had taken a toll on her son’s development and overall happiness. He had been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It was extremely challenging for Zee to care for her son when her ex-husband did not support the treatment plan needed for their son’s growth.
“If it was not for YWCA’s Arise Shelter, I would not have been able to be here. Arise was a second family for my son and me.” She continued, “I had no family that could help me in Toronto and I could never have expected how much joy and support Arise would provide.”
After calling YWCA Toronto’s Arise Shelter, Zee arrived that same evening with her son. Holding back tears, Zee explained that she will never forget how welcomed and safe she felt that night and how the services provided at Arise like English as a Second Language (ESL) helped build back her confidence and belief in herself. The shelter also gave her son an opportunity to heal and make new friends with other kids.
Zee thanks Arise staff for all their dedication and commitment to her and her son. “They gave us shelter, clothing, guidance on services for newcomers, helped me find a job and a new place to live through the transitional housing program. As a newly single parent, they set me up to thrive. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and also on behalf of my son.”
Zee is looking to the future with joy and a renewed commitment to follow her passion of helping and serving others in need. She is now a licensed Person Support Worker (PSW). As she explains, “Families in a similar situation like what I experienced are receiving help from the YWCA. By donating to YWCA Toronto, you are helping to support life saving programs and giving a new life to individuals in need.”
Please send a letter to City Council today letting them know you believe housing is a human right.