Housing remains ‘biggest issue’ for women fleeing domestic violence, say front-line organizations

The demand for safe housing for women fleeing domestic violence in Sydney, N.S., is on the rise, with shelters consistently full and waitlists growing longer. Jodi McDavid, the executive director of the Cape Breton Transition House Association, runs a 21-bed shelter that often has to set up extra beds in the living room due to high occupancy rates.

McDavid highlighted the pressing issue of affordable housing, stating that many women struggle to find safe and affordable accommodation after leaving the shelter. The lack of housing options sometimes forces women to return to their abusers, putting them at risk of harm.

In response to the growing need for housing support, organizations like Shelter Movers in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are providing storage solutions for women in transition. However, Michelle Tupy, the chapter director of Shelter Movers, noted that women are taking longer to find stable housing, with some clients even becoming homeless or returning to their abusers due to a lack of options.

Despite the urgent need for housing solutions, government officials responsible for housing and women’s issues declined to comment on the situation. However, the provincial government has allocated additional funding for transition houses and rental subsidies for women fleeing violence. The introduction of a rental subsidy program has helped over 139 households access affordable housing since its launch in July.

Mary Aspinall, an assistant professor specializing in criminology and criminal justice, emphasized the importance of stable housing and financial support for women leaving abusive relationships. With limited shelter beds and growing waitlists, many women face challenges in finding long-term housing solutions.

In Nova Scotia, there are 34 second-stage housing units available for women fleeing domestic violence, along with over 800 supportive housing units for individuals experiencing homelessness. While occupancy rates for supportive housing remain high, the demand for affordable housing continues to outstrip supply.

Jodi McDavid’s organization is working to expand its second-stage housing units, despite limited funding. With 11 units in operation and 10 more under renovation, the organization relies on grants to support its housing initiatives. McDavid expressed the importance of providing women with a safe place to rebuild their lives and emphasized the need for ongoing support in addressing the housing crisis.

If you or someone you know is in need of support, there are resources available to help. It is crucial to connect with local shelters, support services, and community organizations to access the assistance needed to leave an abusive situation and secure safe housing.