Thank you for the work you are doing to support women and children during this crisis. Once again, women are at the forefront of providing Canadians with essential services. We will be updating this page as new information, resources, and tips emerge.

Distribution of Federal Funds

Women’s Shelters Canada (WSC) is distributing a new round of federal funds to eligible shelters and transition houses supporting women and children fleeing violence across the country. On August 6, 2021, the federal government announced $200 million over two years for VAW shelters, sexual assault centres, and organizations supporting women, children, and LGBTQ2 and gender non-binary people experiencing violence, to help them respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Women’s Shelters Canada is responsible for distributing $79 million of this funding to eligible VAW shelters and transition houses (THs) across the country, with the exception of shelters/THs located in Quebec or funded by Indigenous Services Canada.

In 2020, WSC distributed $36 million of federal funds to over 400 VAW shelters and transition houses across the country, $20.5 million in the Spring and $15.7 million in late Fall.

Press Release: Women’s Shelters Canada Welcomes Renewed Opportunity to Distribute Federal Funds to VAW Shelters Across the Country

Federal Funding to VAW Shelters: Frequently Asked Questions

Knowledge and Information Sharing

Facebook Group

We have a created a private, closed Facebook Group for shelters and transition houses across the country to connect and share information, resources, and promising practices related to their response to COVID-19.

Please note that a shelter’s Facebook page can join the private group.

Google Doc

We have a Google Doc with an ongoing list of resources and practices that shelters and transition houses across the country are using to respond to the evolving COVID-19 situation.

If you have other resources or practices you would like to share, please contact Leah Stuart-Sheppard, Knowledge Exchange Coordinator, at leah@endvaw.ca.

Quick Tips

  • If you are still accepting in-kind donations from individuals, consider posting in your local Facebook community group listing what you need.
  • Your local distillery may have switched to producing hand sanitizer. Contact them to see if they’ll make an in-kind donation.
  • Contact your local media for coverage to (a) let women in your community know they can still contact you and (b) let the general public know what your needs are.

Are you running low on food?

We’ve been in touch with Food Banks Canada and they are committed to ensuring that women’s shelters can access the food they need through their local food banks. If you are connected to your food bank, reach out to them with your needs. If you’re having trouble contacting them, email Heather Stewart, Member Engagement Coordinator, at hstewart@endvaw.ca.
Northern, rural, and remote shelters and transition houses: please note that Food Banks Canada is working with northern stores and can move food across the country to ensure you have access to what you need.

Are you exploring texting through your crisis line or web chat?

* Note that WSC does not necessarily endorse these companies but is making their offers known to shelters in case of interest

Resource Connect enables text messaging communication through a crisis line but largely promotes their webchat service, as it’s more secure than texting. Resource Connect is the service used by OCTEVAW, based in Ottawa and recently featured on CBC News. During COVID-19, they are offering the webchat for free (usually $15 USD per month). There is no commitment for trying webchat services. There is a contact form on their website for more information.

Ivrnet, a Calgary-based software company, approached WSC regarding their new 2-way Text tool. This product helps facilitate client-centred care by enabling women to connect with their local shelter via text. They have worked with local shelters in Calgary.
Ivrnet will:
– Text enable a shelter’s existing crisis hotline phone number at no-charge (normally a $100 fee).
– Reduce the monthly rate for this 2-way text service by half to $50/month for the first 6 months ($100 per month afterwards). Each text rate would be $0.03 for each direction ($0.06 for each MMS in case a client needs to send a picture).
– Provide comprehensive training to front-line staff for organizations who proceed with this offer.

Interested shelters can contact Jeff Young, Vice President of Sales, at 403-970-8398 or 877-780-6983 or by email at j.young@ivrnet.com. More information can be found here.

Key Resources

Thank you to our full member, the BC Society of Transition Houses, for sharing the resources they’ve gathered with us. For resources in French, click here.

National Resources

National Resources

Resources by Province/Territory

Webinars and Trainings

Recorded

In the weeks to come, we will do our best to support you in the ways we can. If you have suggestions you would like to share with us, please do so by responding to Heather Stewart, our Member Engagement Coordinator, at hstewart@endvaw.ca.